JUL"'  3 1S54 


PASADENA  ACADEMY  OF  SCIENCES. 

PUBLICATION  NO.  I. 


REPORT  ON  THE  BIRDS 

RECORDED  DURING  A VISIT  TO 

The  Islands  of  Santa  Barbara,  San 
Nicolas  and  San  Clemente, 

IN  THE  SPRING  OF  1897. 


By  JOSEPH  QRINNELL. 


Press  of  J.  W.  Hart, 
PASADENA,  CALIFORNIA. 
AUGUST,  1897. 


m. 

mr. 


PASADENA  ACADEMY  OF  SCIENCES. 

PUBLICATION  NO.  I. 


REPORT  ON  THE  BIRDS 

RECORDED  DURING  A VISIT  TO 


The  Islands  of  Santa  Barbara,  San 
Nicolas  and  San  Clemente, 

IN  THE  SPRING  OF  1897. 


By  JOSEPH  QRINNELL. 


Press  OK  J.  W.  Hart, 
PASADENA,  CALIEORNIA. 
AUGUST.  1897. 


Pasadena  Academy  of  Sciences, 

PASADENA,  CALIFORNIA. 


OFFICERS: 


PROF.  CHARLES  F.  HOLDER, 
FRANK  S.  DAGGETT, 

HON.  DELOS  ARNOLD, 

PROF.  ERNEST  B.  HOAG, 
OLIVER  M.  GALE, 

EXECUTIVE 

Prof.  Ernest  B.  Hoag,  P'rank  ; 

Dr.  F.  F.  Rowland 


President. 
First  Vice  President. 
. . Second  Vice  President. 

. . . . . Secretary". 

. . . . Treasurer. 

COMMITTEE. 

S.  Daggett,  Hon.  Delos  Arnold, 
Major  H.  N.  Rust. 


REGULAR  MEETINGS: 

Assembly  Hall,  Throop  PoRtechnic  Institute,  first  and  third  Friday 
evenings  of  each  month. 


I , 


PREFACE: 

Through  the  generosity  of  Mr.  Hulett  C.  Merritt,  and  others  of  its  nieni' 
bers,  the  Pasadena  Academy  of  Sciences  was  enabled  to  send  a scientific  exploring 
party  to  the  southern  Santa  Barbara  Islands  during  the  past  spring. 

The  party  consisted  of  Joseph  Grinnell,  who  had  the  immediate  charge  of 
the  expedition,  and  gave  especial  attention  to  the  ornitholog}’  and  entomology  of 
the  islands;  Horace  Gaylord,  who  collected  mammals;  and  Harry  Gaylord  and 
James  Brittan  who  devoted  their  time  to  archaeology.  The  party  left  San 
Pedro  harbor  May  1 1 in  a large  fishing  schooner,  fully  equipped  for  the  work 
previously  mapped  out,  visiting  the  islands  of  Santa  Barbara,  San  Nicolas  and  San 
Clemente  in  turn,  making  as  complete  investigation  and  collecting  as  many  speci- 
mens as  their  time  would  permit. 

It  is  the  intention  of  your  Executive  Committee  to  publish,  under  separate 
cover,  reports  on  the  birds  and  mammals  observed  and  secured  by  this  party,  and 
in  accordance  with  this  plan  we  append  herewith  the  report  of  the  ornithologist. 


To  the  Executive  Committee  of  the  Pasadena  Academy  of  Sciences: 

I herewith  present  my  report  on  the  birds  recorded  during  the  exploration 
among  the  islands  the  past  spring.  Our  party  left  San  Pedro  on  May  ii, 
and  visited  in  turn  vSanta  Barbara,  San  Nicolas  and  San  Clemente  Islands,  return- 
ing on  June  9.  The  notes  of  an  earlier  trip  which  I made  to  the  latter  island  from 
March  26  to  April  4,  are  also  included. 

Each  of  the  party  of  course  helped  the  others  in  their  line  when  opportunity 
afforded,  so  that  the  present  Bird  Report  is  not  the  result  exclusively  of  my  own 
efforts.  Mr.  Horace  Gaylord,  in  particular,  obtained  many  valuable  notes  on  the 
birds. 

Four  hundred  and  fifty  birds’  skins  and  many  eggs  were  collected  during 
both  trips,  and  on  these,  supplemented  by  full  field  notes,  is  based  the  present 
report.  I have  considered  it  more  convenient  to  treat  the  birds  in  four  separate 
lists — of  the  land-birds  observed  on  each  of  the  the  three  islands,  and  of  the 
water  birds  recorded  during  the  entire  trip. 

The  nomenclature  is  that  of  the  A.  O.  U.  Checklist  of  1895, 

Respectfully, 


Pasadena,  California , August  10,  1897 . 


JOSEPH  GRINNEEL. 


Land=Birds  Observed  on  Santa  Barbara  Island. 


Santa  Barbara  Island  is  thirty-five  miles  from  the  mainland  of 
Southern  California,  and  twenty  miles  west  of  Santa  Catalina  Island. 
It  is  one  and  five-sevenths  miles  across  on  its  greatest  diameter,  and 
the  highest  point,  the  southernmost  of  the  two  hills  which  occupy  the 
center,  is  possibly  300  feet  in  altitude.  There  are  no  beaches  and  the 
sides  of  the  island  are  extremly  precipitous,  worn  in  places  into  large 
caverns  and  natural  bridges.  With  the  exception  of  the  two  hills,  the 
top  is  a smooth  mesa,  cut  on  the  east  side  by  several  short  ravines. 
This  mesa  supports  a rather  abundant  growth  of  grass,  weeds,  and  in 
the  eastern  part,  scattering  low  bushes.  There  is  considerable  cactus 
among  the  ravines.  On  many  parts  of  the  island  a kind  of  ice  plant 
forms  a thick  carpet  very  disagreeable  to  walk  through.  We  found  no 
fresh  water.  We  remained  on  this  island  from  May  13  until  May 
18,  inclusive.  Our  camp  was  made  on  the  shelf  of  a rock  at  the 
landing,  if  it  can  be  called  such,  on  the  east  side. 


1.  Zenaidura  macroura — Mourning  Dove. 

In  all  about  a dozen  were  noted.  Although  three  were  shot, 
unfortunately  none  were  saved.  Those  seen,  were  feeding  in 
weed  patches  or  flying  low  over  the  mesa. 

2.  HalicEetus  leucocephalus — Bald  Eagle. 

Seen  on  two  occasions  flying  above  the  island. 

8.  Otocoris  alpestris  strigata — Streaked  Horned  Lark. 

Quite  numerous  over  the  whole  mesa.  Full-fledged  juveniles 
were  plentiful,  and  three  adult  females  taken  on  the  morning 
of  May  14,  each  contained  eggs  ready  to  be  laid,  thus  indi- 
cating that  two  broods  are  reared  in  a season.  A nest  was  found 
on  May  15;  it  was  in  a hollow  under  a tuft  of  grass  on  the 
ground  and  contained  four  small  young.  Twenty-six  specimens 
of  the  Streaked  Horned  Lark  were  taken  on  this  island. 


6 


Pasadena  Academy  of  Sciences. 


Publication  1. 


4.  Corvus  co7'ax  sinuatus — American  Raven. 

Several  pairs  were  seen  about  the  island.  A nest  containing 
two  nearly^fledged  young  was  situated  on  a narrow  ledge  of  rock 
on  the  face  of  a cliff  on  the  north  side  of  the  island.  It  was 
perhaps  150  feet  above  the  surf.  The  Ravens  were  evidently 
subsisting  on  the  eggs  and  young  of  the  sea-birds  which  were 
nesting  so  numerously  on  this  island 

5.  Sturnella  magna  neglecta — Western  Meadowlark. 

There  were  about  twenty  Meadowlarks  composing  a flock  which 
frequented  the  southern  part  of  the  mesa.  Four  full-grown 
juveniles  were  secured,  but  the  adults  were  not  approachable. 

G.  Carpodacus  7nexicanus  frontalis — House  Finch. 

Common  on  the  eastern  part  of  the  island  among  the  patches  of 
cholla  cactus,  the  fruit  of  which  the  linnets  were  eating.  Juve- 
niles were  plentiful.  A nest  was  found  on  the  side  of  a ravine, 
May  17;  it  was  built  between  the  leaves  of  a cactus  about 
eighteen  inches  above  the  ground,  and  composed  entirely  of  fine 
dry  grass-blades.  It  contained  four  badly-incubated  eggs,  three  of 
which  measure:  *.76x.56,  .75X.59,  .83X.59.  Fourteen  House 
Finches  were  taken  on  this  island. 

7.  Melospiza  fasciata  graminea — Santa  Barbara  Song 
Sparrow. 

The  most  abundant  bird  of  Santa  Barbara  Island.  Numerous 
everywhere,  especially  on  the  bush-covered  fields  on  the  south- 
eastern portion  of  the  mesa.  Their  song,  notes  and  action  were 
apparently  identical  with  those  of  the  mainland  Song  Sparrow. 
If  any  different,  the  song  of  the  island  bird  is  a little  weaker 
and  briefer.  Full-grown  juveniles  were  numerous,  more  so  than 
the  adults  which  were  all  apparently  engaged  in  nest-building  or 
raising  the  second  brood.  Mr.  Horace  Gaylord  and  myself 
found  five  sets  of  the  eggs  of  this  species.  The  nests  are  all  of 
practically  the  same  size  and  composition.  A typical  one  is  sup- 
ported by  the  obliquely-growing  twigs  of  a bush;  it  is  lined  and 
internally  composed  of  fine  yellow  grasses,  in  marked  contrast 
with  the  larger  brown  grasses  and  weed  stems  of  which  the  nest 
is  basally  built.  The  measurements  of  this  nest  are:  Inside — 
diameter,  2.30;  depth,  1.30.  Outside — diameter,  4.00;  depth, 
3.30.  In  detail  the  sets  are  as  follows: 


’''All.  measurements  in  this  Report  are  in  inches  and  hundredths  of  an  inch. 


August,  1897. 


Land-Birds  Observed  on  Santa  Barbara  Island. 


7 


No.  I.  May  14.  Nest,  18  inches  from  the  ground  in  thick 
sage  bush;  set,  5,  incubation  begun.  Measurements  of  eggs: 
.81X.62,  .82X.63,  .79X.61,  .82X.63,  .80X.60. 

, No.  2.  May  14.  Nest,  20  inches  from  ground  in  sage  bush; 
set,  4,  fresh.  Eggs  measure:  .79X.63,  .78X.61,  .79X.64,  .77X.60. 

No.  3.  May  14.  Nest,  10  inches  from  ground  in  sage  bush; 
set,  4,  incubation  advanced.  Eggs  measure:  .8ox.6o,  .79X.62, 
.80X.  61,  .80X.62. 

No.  4.  May  15.  Nest,  20  inches  from  ground  in  sage  bush; 
set,  3,  incubation  advanced.  Eggs  measure:  .70X.57,  .74X.61, 
.72X.60. 

No.  5.  May  15.  Nest,  10  inches  above  ground  between 
leaves  of  cactus  and  surrounded  by  weed  stalks;  set,  3,  slightly 
incubated.  Eggs  measure:  .78X.59,  .77X.60,  .77X.62. 

This  series  in  color  and  markings  is  absolutely  indistinguisha- 
ble from  a series  of  the  eggs  of  M.  f.  heennanni  taken  in  the 
vicinity  of  Pasadena.  Thirty-one  specimens  of  the  Santa  Bar- 
bara Song  Sparrow  were  secured.  Nineteen  adults  measure: 
length,  5.50-6.12(5.80);  wing,  2.25-2.50(2.35);  culmen, 
.40-.46  (.43.) 

8.  Dendroica  coronata — Myrtle  Warbler. 

I shot  an  adult  female  May  15,  the  only  one  seen.  It  was  flying 
past  the  ravine  above  our  camp.  A migrant. 

9.  Dendroica  maculosa — Magnolia  Warbler. 

I shot  an  adult  male  on  May  15,  the  only  one  seen.  It  was 
busily  engaged  in  searching  for  insects  in  a clump  of  dead  weed 
stalks.  I think  this  is  the  first  record  for  Southern  California, 
if  not  for  the  State. 

10.  Dendroica  townsendi — Townsend’s  Warbler. 

Mr.  Gaylord  and  myself  each  took  an  adult  female  of  this 
species  on  May  16.  They  were  in  the  weed  patch  in  the  ravine 
above  camp.  Undoubtedly  migrants. 

11.  Dendroica  Occident alis — Hermit  Warbler. 

Mr  Gaylord  took  an  adult  female  of  this  bird  on  May  14,  and 
we  caught  glimpses  of  three  more  during  that  day.  They  were 
all  in  the  ravine  before  mentioned.  Migrants. 


8 


Pasadena  Academy  of  Sciences. 


Publication  1. 


12.  Sylvania  pusilla  pileolata — -Pileolated  Warbler. 

May  14,  15  and  16,  several  of  these  warblers  were  seen  each  day 
in  the  weeds  in  the  ravine  above  camp.  Five  specimens  were 
taken,  two  males  and  three  females.  As  in  the  case  of  the  other 
warblers,  these  birds  were  undoubtedly  late  migrants. 

13.  Salpinctes  obsoletus — Rock  Wren. 

Tolerably  common  around  the  rocky  margins  of  the  island. 
Nearly  fledged  juveniles  were  taken  Maj^  14.  Seven  Rock 
Wrens  were  obtained  on  this  island. 

14.  Turdus  ustulatus — Russet-backed  Thrush. 

Three  seen  and  one  specimen,  an  adult  female,  taken  on  May  16. 
They  were  on  the  east  side  of  the  island  near  camp.  Probably 
migrants. 


Land=Birds  Observed  on  San  Nicolas  Island* 


San  Nicolas  is  the  most  remote  of  the  Santa  Barbara  group,  be- 
ing over  sixty  miles  from  the  nearest  point  of  the  mainland.  Santa 
Barbara  Island  is  nearest  it,  being  twenty-eight  miles  distant.  San 
Nicolas  Island  is  seven  miles  long  and  three  miles  wide.  The  central 
portion  consists  of  a broad  plateau  or  mesa  about  800  feet  above  sea 
level.  This  mesa  drops  abruptly  on  all  sides,  leaving  a broad  interval 
between  its  base  and  the  beach.  The  west  end  of  the  island  is  scarcely 
more  than  a huge  sand  dune,  with  no  vegetation  whatever.  The 
summit  mesa  is  sparingly  covered  with  grass,  which  supports  a herd  of 
sheep.  Around  the  lower  part  of  the  island  is  an  occasional  small 
thorny  bush,  with  scattering  clumps  of  cactus  and  a few  other  plants. 
There  are  a few  alkaline  springs  in  the  largest  of  the  ravines  which 
Cut  down  from  the  mesa  above.  This  is  the  most  barren  island  of  the 
group  and  consequently  possesses  the  least  animal  life.  Our  visit  ex^ 
tended  from  May  19  until  May  26.  We  camped  at  the  east  end,  near 
the  old  ranch  house,  where  there  was  a cistern  of  rain  water. 


1.  Zenaidufa  macrotii^a — Mourning  Dove. 

About  a dozen  doves  were  noted  on  this  island;  the}'  were 
mostly  on  the  east  end.  A single  specimen,  an  adult  female  was 
secured.  It  is  very  much  darker  than  any  specimen  1 have  seen 
from  the  mainland. 

2.  Haliceetus  leucocephalus — -Bald  Eagle.  ‘ 

Seen  on  several  occasions  along  the  southeast  side  of  the  island. 

8.  Pandion  haliaetus  carolinensis — American  Osprey, 

Tolerably  common. 

4.  Aeronautes  melanoleucus — White-throated  Swift. 

On  May  25,  I saw  a single  bird  of  this  species  flying  in  circles 
along  the  beach  at  the  east  end.  It  was  shot,  but  fell  into  the 
surf  and  was  lost. 


lO 


Pasadena  Academy  of  Sciences. 


Publication  I. 


5.  Contopus  richardsonii — Western  Wood  Pewee. 

I took  an  adult  female  on  May  20,  and  an  adult  male  on  May 
23.  The  former  was  shot  from  its  perch  on  a fence  wire,  from 
which  it  was  making"  frequent  sallies  after  flies.  The  latter  spec- 
imen was  flying  along  the  beach  in  front  of  camp  early  in  the 
morning  and  lit  on  a ledge  of  rock.  Both  were  undoubtedly 
migrants. 

(>.  Otocoris  alpestris  strigata — Streaked  Horned  Lark. 

The  most  abundant  bird  of  San  Nicolas  Island;  numerous  every- 
where, but  especially  on  the  grassy  mesa  at  the  summit  of  the 
island.  At  the  time  of  our  visit  the  nesting  season  seemed  to 
have  just  begun.  On  May  24,  however,  a brood  of  juveniles 
were  noted,  but  these  were  the  only  ones  seen.  Mr.  Gaylord 
found  a nest  on  May  26.  It  was  on  the  ground  in  a depression 
and  consisted  of  an  unusually  generous  lining  of  dry  grass-blades 
and  stems.  The  set  of  three  eggs  were  considerably  incubated. 
They  are  indistinguishable  from  eggs  of  the  Mexican  Horned 
Lark,  and  measure,  .86X.65,  .79X.63,  .86X.63.  Another  set  of 
three  eggs  was  found  by  a member  of  our  party,  but  an  revisit- 
ing the  vicinity  it  could  not  be  located  Forty-six  skins  of  the 
Horned  Lark  were  taken  from  this  island.  One  of  the  speci- 
mens is  remarkably  deformed.  The  upper  mandible  is  normal, 
but  the  lower  manible  is  three-fourths  of  an  inch  long,  and 
curved  like  the  bill  of  a California  Thrasher.  It  would  be  puz- 
zling to  decide  how  the  bird  could  manage  to  pick  up  anything. 

7.  Corvus  corax  sinuatus — American  Raven. 

Common.  One  specimen  taken. 

8.  Carpodacus  mexicanus frontalis — House  Finch. 

Only  about  twenty  were  seen  during  our  stay  on  the  island,  so 
this  bird  is  by  no  means  common.  Fully-fledged  juveniles  were 
noted,  and  a nest  found  May  25.  It  was  in  a hole  in  the  sand- 
stone bluff  above  the  beach  but  could  not  be  reached.  The 
female  was  seen  to  leave  it  on  several  occasions.  Four  speci- 
mens of  the  House  Finch  were  taken. 

9.  Salpinctes  obsoletus — Rock  Wren. 

Very  common  over  the  whole  island,  but  especially  along  the 
banks  of  the  dry  water  courses.  Juveniles,  from  stubby-tailed 
fellows  just  out  of  the  nest,  to  full-grown  ones  were  more  num- 
erous than  the  adults.  The  latter  were  very  shy  and  hard  to 


August,  1897. 


Land-Birds  Observed  on  San  Nicolas  Island. 


li 


approach.  Mr.  Gaylord  found  a nest  on  May  22.  It  was  in  a 
crack  in  the  clayey  bank  of  a gully,  two  feet  from  the  top  and 
three  feet  above  the  bed.  The  nest  was  several  inches  back  in 
the  cavity,  and  the  earth  had  to  be  broken  away  to  reach  it.  It 
is  composed  of  grass  stems,  lined  softly  with  fine  rootlets  and  a 
few  feathers.  The  set  consists  of  six  considerably  incubated 
eggs.  They  are  creamy  white  with  scattering  spots  aud  dots  of 
vinaceous-rufus  about  the  larger  ends.  Their  measurements 
are,  .76X.63,  .79X.64,  . Sox. 64,  .81X.64,  .Sox. 64,  .Sox.65.  The 
female  was  seen  to  leave  the  nest  only  after  two  persons  had 
stepped  across  the  ditch  directly  above  her.  She  did  not  again 
appear  although  we  waited  many  minutes  for  her.  Twenty* 
eight  specimens  of  the  Rock  Wren  were  obtained  from  this 
island.  The  Rock  Wren  of  the  islands  is  very  distinct  from  that 
of  the  mainland,  and  certainl}^  deserves  to  be  separated  as  a new 
species.  This  will  probably  be  done  b}'  some  one  in  the  near 
future. 


Land=Birds  Observed  on  San  Clemente  Island. 


San  Clemente  Island  lies  about  fifty  miles  from  the  nearest  main- 
land and  twenty-five  miles  from  Catalina  Island.  It  is  seventeen  miles 
long  and  four  wide.  Its  trend  is  from  northwest  to  southeast,  that  is, 
parallel  with  the  mainland  coast.  The  northeastern  side  of  the  island 
is  steep,  rising  abruptly  to  the  summit  ridge  which  is  about  1 500  feet 
in  altitude.  From  this  ridge  the  land  slopes  gradually  through  a series 
of  parallel  benches  or  mesas  to  the  southwest  coast  which  in  many 
places  has  a broad  beach.  Cutting  their  way  westward  transversely 
through  these  mesas  from  the  summit  ridge,  are  numerous  ravines  and 
canons.  Some  of  the  latter  are  very  deep  and  narrow,  resembling 
miniature  Canons  of  the  Colorado.  The  only  water  on  the  island  in 
summer,  except  at  the  wind  mill,  is  to  be  found  in  holes  and  recesses 
in  the  beds  of  the  deepest  gorges.  The  sheep  and  goats  have  worn 
paths  down  to  the  most  accessible  of  these  ’‘tanks”  as  they  are  called 
by  the  herders.  Vegetation  on  this  island  is  not  super-abundant.  It 
is  mainly  composed  of  cactus  of  several  species  and  a low  thorny  bush 
on  the  mesas  and  hillsides;  while  the  canons  and  ravines  generally 
contain  thickets  of  wild  cherry  bushes,  which  in  a few  places  reach  a 
height  of  fifteen  feet  or  more,  and  might  be  called  trees.  Our  stay  on 
this  island  extended  from  May  28  until  June  7,  inclusive.  The  notes 
of  an  earlier  visit  by  myself,  from  March  28  until  April  3,  are  also  in- 
cluded. During  both  visits  camp  was  made  at  the  windmill  at  Smug- 
gler’s Cove,  near  the  southeast  end  of  the  island,  and  most  of  the  notes 
pertain  to  the  region  immediately  surrounding  the  Cove. 


1.  Callipepla  californica  vallicola — Valley  Partridge. 

I found  a small  number  of  these  birds  in  a broad  canon  which 
reaches  the  coast  a half-mile  southeast  of  China  Point.  The 
canon  bed  was  lined  with  an  unusually  heavy  growth  of  wild 
cherry  bushes  which  afforded  the  only  good  cover  on  that  part  of 
the  island.  On  May  31  I saw  two  broods  of  young  scarcely  a 
week  old.  In  all,  only  about  twent}^  adults  were  noted.  I was 
told  by  one  of  the  sheep-herders  that  twelve  dozen  “quail”  had 


August,  1897. 


Land-Birds  Observed  on  San  Clemente  Island. 


13 


been  introduced  on  the  island  about  ten  years  ago  by  an  old 
resident  named  Gallager;  but  on  account  of  the  poor  cover,  and 
the  abundance  of  foxes  which  killed  the  sitting  birds  in  the 
spring,  they  had  scarcely  been  able  to  hold  their  own.  The  six 
specimens  taken  agree  in  being  slightly  lighter  than  vallicola 
from  Pasadena.  The  colony  may  have  been  obtained  from  the 
mainland  further  south,  possibly  San  Diego,  or  this  slight 
bleaching  may  be  due  to  the  effects  of  new  food  and  environ- 
ments. If  the  latter  is  the  explanation,  it  will  be  interesting  to 
watch  developments,  in  case  the  change  is  rapid  enough  to  be 
perceptible. 

2.  Zenaidura  macroura — Mourning  Dove. 

Mourning  Doves  were  observed  in  equal  numbers  during  both 
visits,  so  they  are  undoubtedly  residents.  The  familiar  notes 
were  heard  more  often  morning  and  evening,  at  which  time  the 
watering  places  in  the  canons  and  the  trough  at  the  windmill 
were  sure  to  be  attended  by  a pair  or  more  of  these  graceful 
birds.  A clump  of  scraggy  cherry  trees  in  the  ravine  a few  rods 
north  of  the  windmill  seemed  to  be  a regular  roosting  place. 
Just  at  dusk,  every  evening,  the  doves  would  arrive  in  pairs  and 
settle  in  the  trees  until  there  were  probably  twenty  or  thirty. 
But  they  would  leave  in  the  morning  by  daylight,  so  that  we 
succeeded  in  obtaining  but  a few.  On  June  3,  I flushed  a dove 
from  its  nest,  eight  feet  above  the  bed  of  a ravine,  on  the  hori- 
zontal branch  of  a cherry  tree.  The  nest  was  as  usual  a flimsy 
platform  of  twigs  and  grass-stems,  and  contained  a single  fresh 
egg.  On  June  6,  I took  a set  of  two  fresh  eggs  from  a nest  four 
feet  above  the  ground  on  a horizontal  branch  of  a cherry  bush. 
The  neat  was  rather  bulky  for  a dove’s  nest,  having  been  built 
up  among  some  transverse  twigs.  The  eggs  of  this  set  measure: 
1.10X.84,  1.14X.86.  Three  specimens  of  the  Mourning  Dove 
were  preserved. 

3.  Haliceetus  leucocephalus — Bald  Eagle. 

The  Bald  Eagle  was  seen  rather  commonly  along  the  shores  of  the 
island,  but  as  usual,  quite  shy.  When  an  eagle  appeared,  the 
Ospreys  were  generally  the  first  to  see  it  and  give  the  alarm  with 
their  mournful  whistling  cries.  However,  according  to  my  ob- 
servations, the  Ospreys  are  not  robbed  of  their  fish  so  persis- 
tently as  generally  believed,  the  food  of  the  eagle  being  mainly 
the  dead  fish  thrown  up  on  the  beach.  I found  a nest  of  the 


14 


Pasadena  Academy  of  Sciences. 


Publication  I. 


Bald  Eagle  on  April  i . It  was  situated  on  a shelf  of  the  rock 
which  projected  from  the  top  of  one  of  the  huge  caverns  on  the 
steep  hillside  west  of  Smuggler’s  Cove.  The  nest  proper  was  a 
saucer-shaped  depression  in  the  sand  on  top  of  the  ledge.  But 
it  was  lined  with  downy  feathers,  and  encircled  by  a considera- 
ble mass  of  large  sticks  and  fagots.  The  nest  contained  a sin- 
gle egg,  nearly  hatched,  which  is  soiled  chalky  white,  and  meas- 
ures, 2.76x2.23.  On  our  second  visit  several  immature  or  ju- 
venile eagles  were  noted,  that  is,  birds  in  the  dark  plumage. 

4.  Pandion  haliaetus  cafolinensis — American  Osprey. 

The  Ospre^^s  were  quite  abundant  about  the  south  end  of  the 
island,  and  there  was  hardl}'  a rocky  promontory  or  pinnacle 
which  was  not  used  as  a nesting  site.  The  nests  were  all  either 
on  pillars  of  rock  standing  directly  in  the  surf,  or  on  over-hang- 
ing ledges  close  above  the  water.  As  usual  they  were  bulk}" 
affairs  of  course  sticks,  lined  with  sea- weed  and  grasses.  One 
nest  I climbed  to  appeared  at  first  sight  to  contain  nothing,  but 
on  picking  over  a hummock  of  grass  in  the  center,  I discovered 
the  set  of  eggs.  The  grass  formed  a felted  mat  or  lid  which 
was  attached  to  the  nest  on  one  side,  and  when  closed  over  the 
nest,  perfectly  concealed  the  eggs  and  protected  them  from  cold. 
When  lifted,  the  lid  laid  up  on  the  side  of  the  nest,  leaving  the 
eggs  exposed.  This  is  of  course  quite  unusual;  all  the  other 
nests  examined  were  without  any  such  adjunct.  Five  sets  of 
fresh  eggs  were  taken  from  March  29  to  April  3.  Eleven  eggs 
average  2.48x1.86.  Three  eggs  constituted  a full  set.  On  June 
7,  nests  contained  young  from  a few  days  old  to  nearly  full- 
fledged.  Four  specimens  of  the  American  Osprey  were  taken — 
two  adult  males  and  two  young. 

5.  Ceryle  alcyon — Belted  Kingfisher. 

Several  seen  during  my  first  visit  from  March  28  to  April  3.  An 
adult  female  was  taken  March  30.  They  were  always  seen 
along  the  rockiest  part  of  the  shore,  where  they  fished  mostl}" 
in  the  tide  pools. 

6. -  P halcsnoptilus  nuttallii  calif  or  nicus — Dusky  Poor-will. 

Heard  each  evening  from  March  30  to  April  2;  a female  was 
shot  March  31.  They  were  on  the  hillsides  back  of  the  Cove. 
None  were  seen  or  heard  during  the  second  visit,  so  this  bird 
was  probably  onl}"  a migrant. 


August^  1897. 


Land-Binh  Observed  on  Sati  Clemente  Island. 


15 


7.  Aeronautes  jnelanoleucus — White— throated  Swift. 

During  the  first  visit,  White-throated  Swifts  were  seen  frequently 
flying  along  the  hillsides.  I saw  them  entering  crevices  in  the 
roof  of  one  of  the  caverns  west  of  the  Cove,  on  April  2.  They 
were  probably  nesting.  Two  were  shot  on  April  2,  but  fell  in 
cholla  cactus  thickets  and  were  not  secured. 

8.  Calypte  costce — Costa’s  Hummingbird. 

I saw  a single  adult  male  poising  among  some  flowers  on  March 
30.  It  was  undoubtedly  a migrant. 

9.  Selasphorus  alleni — Allen’s  Hummingbird. 

Quite  numerous  along  the  ravines,  where  the  metallic  rattle  of 
its  wings  gave  notice  of  its  presence  long  before  it  could  be  dis- 
tinguished among  the  bright-colored  flowers.  I found  a nest 
on  March  28,  which  contained  two  incubated  eggs.  It  was 
built  at  the  forks  of  a cherry  twig,  five  feet  above  the  ground, 
in  a canon.  The  nest  is  composed  mostly  of  sheep’s  wool,  with 
spiders’  web  and  a few  downy  feathers.  On  the  outside,  it  is 
covered  with  green  lichens,  and  bits  of  plant  fibers.  The  inside 
measurements  are:  diameter,  .90;  depth,  .75.  Outside:  diame- 
ter, 1.90;  depth,  1.50.  The  eggs  measure:  .54X.35,  .55X.36.  On 
May  31  and  June  3,  I saw  fully-fledged  juveniles.  They  had 
a shrill  squeak,  which  they  uttered  frequently,  especially  when 
the  parent  bird  was  approaching  to  feed  them.  Four  specimens 
of  the  Allen’s  Hummer  were  secured. 

10.  Contopus  richardsonii — Western  Wood  Pewee. 

I saw  a single  individual  of  this  species  in  a canon  on  June  3.  I 
I am  sure  it  was  a migrant,  though  late. 

11.  Empidonax  insulicola — ^Island  Flycatcher. 

On  June  5,  I secured  a pair  of  these  birds.  They  were  in  a 
deep,  dark  gorge,  flitting  about  the  face  of  a mossy  wall  where  there 
was  probably  a nest,  though  I failed  to  find  it.  Along  the  pre- 
cipitous north  side  of  the  island  in  the  vicinity  of  Mosquito 
Harbor,  several  were  noted  on  June  7.  As  far  as  I could  judge, 
the  notes  and  mien  of  the  Island  Flycatcher  were  in  no  way  dif- 
ferent from  those  of  the  mainland  bird.  As  I did  not  observe 
any  of  these  birds  on  my  first  visit,  it  may  be  presumed  that 
they  are  only  summer  visitants,  as  is  E.  difficilis  on  the  main- 
land. 

’•'New  species,  described  in  Auk,  July,  1897,  by  Harry  C.  Oberholser. 


i6 


Pasadena  Academy  of  Sciences. 


PahUcation  I. 


12.  Otocoris  alpestris  stri^ata — Streaked  Horned  Lark. 

A common  bird  on  the  barren  mesas.  There  were  a few  about 
Smuggler’s  Cove,  but  it  was  most  numerous  on  the  broad,  ele- 
vated prairie  in  the  interior  of  the  island.  I found  a nest  on 
June  3;  it  was  on  the  ground  in  a depression  under  the 
broad,  obliquely-inclined  leaf  of  a cactus.  It  was  thus  well-pro- 
tected, as  no  fox  could  reach  the  contents  without  encountering 
the  stiff  spines.  The  nest  consisted  of  a scanty  lining  of  dr}' 
grasses,  and  contained  three  slightly-incubated  eggs.  These  do 
not  differ  from  eggs  of  O.  a.  chrysolaema.  Their  measurements 
are,  . Sox. 60,  .81X.62,  .82X.62.  No  juveniles  were  noted  even 
during  the  last  visit,  so  that  the  breeding  season  is  apparentl}' 
later  than  on  the  other  islands.  The  notes  and  actions  of  this 
bird  were  identical  with  those  of  the  mainland  form.  Eleven 
specimens  of  the  Streaked  Horned  Lark  were  obtained  on  this 
island. 

13.  Corvus  corax  sinuatus— Raven. 

Ravens  were  quite  numerous  and  were  nesting  commonly  on  the 
cliffs  and  ledges  on  the  canon  sides.  The  nests  were  always 
placed  in  cavities  or  crevices  in  the  face  of  the  rock,  and  were 
composed  of  course  sticks,  lined  with  wool.  As  the  occupied 
nests  were  inaccessible,  no  eggs  were  secured.  Two  skins  of  the 
Raven  were  taken  on  this  island. 

14.  Sturnella  magna  neglecta — Western  Meadowlark. 

During  my  first  visit  there  were  several  pairs  of  Meadowlarks 
in  the  vicinity  of  Smuggler’s  Cove.  A male  and  two  females 
were  taken.  The  condition  of  the  skin  on  the  breasts  of  the 
latter  showed  them  to  be  sitting.  No  larks  were  observed  on 
the  last  visit;  they  had  probably  raised  broods  of  young  and  re- 
paired to  better  feeding  grounds  on  the  higher  mesas.  On  com- 
parison with  specimens  from  Pasadena,  in  corresponding  plum- 
age, I find  the  male  bird  from  the  island,  as  might  be  expected, 
to  be  very  much  darker,  with  much  larger  feet. 

15.  Carpodacus  7nexicanus  fro7italis — House  Finch. 

The  most  abundant  bird  of  San  Clemente  Island.  Common 
everywhere,  but  most  numerous  in  the  deep  gorges,  whose  walls 
are  broken  by  dark  caverns  and  festooned  with  cactus.  In  such 
places,  especially  in  the  vicinity  of  the  water  “tanks”,  the  lin- 
nets fairly  swarmed,  and  their  full  rollicking  songs  reverbrated 


1897. 


Land-Birds  Observed  on  Clemente  Island. 


t? 


incessantly.  Their  food  appeared  to  be  mainly  composed  of  the 
fleshy  cactus  fruits,  of  which  there  was  certainly  an  abundant 
supply.  The  nests  are  built  either  in  cactus,  or  in  niches  in  the 
roofs  and  Walls  of  the  caverns.  In  the  latter  places  the  nests 
vary  much  in  bulk,  being  fitted  to  the  cavities  in  which  they  are 
built.  A large  cavity  is  nearly  filled  with  a mass  of  fine  grasses, 
weed  stems  and  wool,  with  only  a narrow  aperture  left  at  the 
top.  Nests  in  cactus  are  built  in  the  center  of  a clump  of  spiny 
stems,  from  one  to  three  feet  above  the  ground.  These  can  sel- 
dom be  reached  except  by  breaking  down  the  cactus.  They  are 
more  compact  than  those  in  the  rocks,  but  made  of  the  same 
materials.  Two  to  five  eggs  form  a full  set.  They  are  similar 
to  those  of  the  mainland  bird  except  in  size,  being  decidedl}’ 
larger.  A fresh  set  taken  March  30,  measure,  .84X.60,  .80X.63, 
.82X.62,  .80X.63.  A partially  incubated  set  of  five,  taken  March 
31,  measure,  .80X.56,  .80X.59,  .82X.57,  .85X.56,  .86X.58.  The 
nesting  season  begins  early,  as  nearly-fledged  young  were  noted 
on  March  28.  On  June  5,  incubated  eggs  were  taken.  The 
House  Finches  on  San  Clemente  Island  average  larger  and 
brighter  colored  than  those  of  the  mainland.  This  case  well 
illustrates  the  tendency  of  the  insuler  birds  to  acquire  larger  pro- 
portions of  the  bill  or  feet.  In  this  genus,  the  extremes  are 
reached  further  south  in  (7.  mcgregori  and  C.  ampins.  The  fol- 
lowing are  the  average  measurements  of  the  bills  of  a series  each 
of  the  San  Clemente  and  mainland  House  Finches: 


GONYS. 

CULMEN. 

depth  of  BIEE 
AT  BASE. 

WIDTH  OF  UPPER 

mandibee. 

San  Clemente  Is.... 

•32 

.43 

•35 

i .30 

Pasadena .............. 

.29 

.40 

.33 

1 .28 

Forty-seven  specimens  of  the  House  Finch  were  obtained  on 
this  island. 


16.  Ammodramus  sandwichensis  alaudinus~V^ Sa- 

vanna Sparrow. 

One  specimen  was  secured  and  several  others  seen  along  the 
grassy  margins  of  a slough  at  the  mouth  of  a canon,  on  March 
30.  Evidently  only  a winter  visitant. 

17.  Zonotrichia  leucophrys  intermedia— ln\.e.YV!\c,di\2Xe  Sparrow. 

At  the  time  of  my  first  visit,  these  sparrows  were  very  common 
among  the  weeds  and  cherry  brush  in  the  ravines.  One  speci- 
men taken. 


i8 


Pasadena  Academy  of  Sciences. 


Publication  I. 


18.  Zonotrichia  coronata — Golden-crowned  Sparrow. 

A specimen  was  taken  March  31.  and  several  others  seen  in  a 
bushy  ravine.  This  bird  and  the  last  were  undoubtedly  winter 
visitants. 

19.  Spizella  socialis  arizoncE — Western  Chipping  Sparrow. 

Probably  a resident  bird  as  it  was  noted  on  both  visits.  The 
only  specimen  secured  was  an  adult  male  on  March  30.  Another^ 
probably  a female,  was  seen  at  the  same  time,  and  from  their 
actions  I thought  that  there  was  a nest  in  the  vicinity;  it  must 
have  been  in  cactus  as  there  was  no  other  vegetation  at  hand. 
On  June  3,  a pair  was  noted,  and  on  June  5,  another.  In  all 
these  cases  the  Chipping  Sparrows  were  high  on  the  steep  canon 
sides  toward  the  interior  of  the  island,  and  were  very  shy. 

20.  Amphispiza  belli — Bell’s  Sparrow. 

Quite  common  on  the  hillsides  and  lower  mesas  where  there  is  a 
low  thorny  bush  growing  in  clumps  and  patches  interspersed 
with  cactus.  At  the  time  of  my  first  visit,  the  males  were  in 
full  song,  and  dissection  of  females  showed  that  eggs  in  most 
instances  had  already  been  laid.  During  the  second  visit,  full- 
grown  juveniles  were  plentiful.  The  notes  and  habits  of  this 
bird  were  substantially  the  same  as  of  those  about  Pasadena. 
Twenty-six  specimens  were  secured. 

21.  Melospiza  fasciata  clementce — San  Clemente  Song  Spar- 

row. 

Common  along  the  ravines  and  lower  mesas  near  the  coast,  as 
well  as  scatteringly  along  the  canons  higher  up.  Its  favorite 
haunts  appeared  to  be  the  weed  patches  and  low  brush  on  the 
sides  of  the  shallow  ravines  which  cut  the  first  mesa  above  the 
beach.  Here  their  songs  and  call-notes,  which  were  seemingly 
identical  with  those  of  the  adjacent  mainland  race,  M.  f heer- 
ma7i7u\  were  continually  heard.  At  the  time  of  my  first  visit, 
nidification  was  in  progress,  and  during  the  second  visit  many 
full-fledged  juveniles  were  taken.  Unfortunately  no  nests  were 
discovered.  Seventeen  adult  specimens  of  M.  f.  cleTnenice  meas- 
ure as  follows:  length,  6.00-6.50  (6.26);  wing,  2.37-2.68  (2.56), 
culmen,  .42-. 46  (.44.)  Thirty-five  specimens  of  the  San  Cle- 
mente Song  Sparrow  were  secured. 


August,  1897, 


Land-Birds  Observed  on  Clemente  Island. 


19 


22.  Melospi^a  lincolnii — -Lincoln’s  Sparrow. 

A single  specimen  was  taken  March  30  and  another  seen.  The}' 
were  in  the  rank  weeds  growing  about  the  watering-trough  at 
the  windmill.  A winter  visitant. 

23.  Pipilo  clementce — -*San  Clemente  Towhee. 

Not  uncommon  along  the  larger  ravines  and  canons,  wherever 
there  is  a thick  growth  of  wild  cherry  bushes;  but  on  account 
of  their  silence  and  secretive  habits  they  were  not  easy  to  locate. 
A Towhee  might  be  heard  scratching  among  the  dead  leaves  in 
a thicket,  but  he  would  not  be  easy  to  drive  out,  and  even  if  he 
did  finally  vacate,  it  would  only  be  to  dive  into  the  next  bush  on 
the  opposite  side  of  the  would-be  collector.  However,  when 
the  males  sang,  or  rather  repeated  their  “(tow)hee”,  they  gen- 
erally mounted  to  the  highest  twig  of  a bush,  and  were  there 
quite  conspicuous.  They  usually  appeared  thus  in  the  early 
morning  and  evening.  The  “catbird^’  call,  which  is  so  charac- 
teristic of  P.  m.  megalonyx,  seems  to  be  unknown  to  this  bird. 
Six  specimens,  the  type  series,  were  taken  during  the  first  visit, 
and  ten  during  the  last.  The  latter  are  typical  in  every  respect. 
Especially  noticeable,  when  compared  with  P.  m . megalonyx,  is 
the  long  bill,  which  averages  in  the  ten  specimens:  culmen,  .58; 
gonys,  .42.  Although  the  birds  taken  were  evidently  breeding, 
no  nests  were  found  nor  juveniles  observed. 

24.  Ampelis  cedrorum — Cedar  Waxwing. 

In  the  forenoon  of  May  31,  I saw  a single  specimen  of  this  bird 
in  the  canon  near  China  Point.  It  flew  past  me  down  the  canon 
and  a minute  later  returned.  Its  note,  manner  of  flight  and 
plumage  were  characteristic  and  unmistakable. 

25.  Lanius  ludovitianus  gambeli — California  Shrike. 

This  bird  was  without  question  the  shyest  and  hardest  to  be  se- 
cured of  any  on  the  island.  Indeed  it  was  as  shy  as  any  hawk 
I ever  saw.  It  was  tolerably  common;  that  is,  two  or  three 
could  be  generally  seen  during  an  hour’s  walk.  There  was  a 
pair  in  the  neighborhood  of  the  windmill  where  we  were  camp- 
ing, and  nearly  every  morning  a little  after  daybreak  the  male 
would  perch  either  on  the  windmill  or  on  the  topmost  twig  of  a 
brush  pile  on  the  opposite  side  of  the  ravine,  and  utter  its  defiant 


’**=Xe\v  species,  described  by  me  in  Attk,  July,  1897. 


20 


Pasadena  Academy  of  Sciences 


Publication  I. 


shrike  notes.  The  rustle  of  the  tent  door  or  the  click  of  a gun 
lock,  however,  was  sufficient  to  send  him  up  over  the  ridge,  not 
to  appear  again  for  hours.  On  April  2,  I found  a nest  and  suc- 
ceeded, after  lying  in  ambush  for  a long  time,  in  securing  the 
female  bird.  The  nest  was  in  a small  bush  growing  out  from 
the  side  of  a canon,  and  was  composed  mostly  of  sheep  wool, 
with  an  admixture  of  weed  stems  and  grasses.  Five  slightly 
incubated  eggs  constituted  the  set.  They  are  not  different  from 
eggs  of  true  L.  /.  ^^ambeli  of  the  mainland,  and  measure: 
.97X.72,  .96X.72,  .95X.71,  .95X.73,  .96X.72.  During  our  last 
visit,  Mr.  Horace  Gaylord  secured  another  adult  female  and  a 
juvenile,  and  I took  another  juvenile,  making  four  specimens  in 
all  obtained.  This  Shrike  is  not  exactly  referable  to  L.  I ga7n- 
beli,  but  appears  to  be  nearer  that  than  either  of  the  other  U.  S. 
forms. 

2b.  Helniinthophila  celata  sordida — Dusky  Warbler. 

At  the  time  of  my  first  visit,  the  Dusky  Warblers  were  quite 
numerous  in  the  weed-patches  and  brush  along  the  ravines  nearly 
to  the  beaches.  But  later  when  most  ot  the  plants  were  dry 
and  dead,  they  were  confined  to  the  cherry  thickets  along  the 
canons.  Their  song  and  habits  were  similar  to  those  of  the 
Lutescent  Warbler  of  the  mainland.  Seventeen  specimens  of 
the  Dusky  Warbler  were  taken. 

27.  Dendroica  auduboni — Audubon’s  Warbler. 

I took  a single  specimen  on  March  28;  it  was  at  the  windmill 
and  was  evidently  a winter  visitant. 

28.  Mimus  poly  ^lottos— yVoQkAx\^\xdi. 

Not  uncommon  among  the  cactus  patches  on  the  higher  mesas, 
but  very  shy.  Two  adult  males  were  secured;  these  agree  in 
being  dorsally  lighter  than  mainland  specimens.  No  nests  were 
discovered,  but  full-fledged  juveniles  were  seen  on  June  3. 

29.  Salpinctes  obsoletus — Rock  Wren. 

Tolerably  common  on  the  rocky  canon  sides,  but  excessively  shy. 
On  March  30,  a male,  the  only  one  noted  during  the  first  visit, 
was  heard  singing,  and  finally  secured.  Its  song  was  remarka- 
bly beautiful,  resembling  closest  that  of  a Thrasher,  yet  with 
the  sad  cadence  of  a Hermit  Thrush.  During  our  second  visit, 
an  adult  female  and  a juvenile  were  taken. 


August,  1897. 


Land-Birds  Observed  on  San  Clemente  Island. 


21 


80.  Thryothorus  leucophrys — San  Clemente  Wren. 

Very  common  in  the  vicinity  of  Smuggler’s  Cove  on  the  lower 
mesas.  The  thickest  beds  of  cactus  are  its  favorite  resorts, 
although  the  cherry  brush  along  the  canons  is  but  little  less 
frequented.  The  song  of  this  wren  is  short  but  vivaceous  and 
often  repeated;  it,  of  course,  resembles  closely  the  song  of  the 
Vigor’s  Wren  on  the  mainland.  At  the  time  of  my  first  visit, 
the  San  Clemente  Wrens  were  undoubtedly  nesting,  and  I sus- 
pect even  had  young  as  early  as  March  28,  for  I repeatedly  saw 
the  old  birds  fly  into  cactus  patches  with  insects  in  their  bills. 
However,  I failed  to  find  any  nests,  as  the  parents  invariably 
disappeared  among  the  interlaced  stems  in  the  center  of  the 
cactus  beds.  In  such  situations,  nests  are  not  generally  sought 
after  even  by  foxes,  and  the  wrens  seemed  to  have  taken  advan- 
tage of  the  fact.  During  our  second  visit,  the  fully-fledged 
juveniles  far  exceeded  the  adults  both  in  noise  and  numbers. 
The  curiosity  of  these  birds  is  easily  aroused.  If  once  they 
realize  that  a person  is  hunting  them,  they  will  dive  to  the 
depths  of  a thicket,  and  any  amount  of  racket  will  not  drive 
them  out;  but  if  the  collector  sits  down  quietly  and  makes  any 
low  squeaking  noise,  such  as  hissing,  he  soon  has  a small  series 
of  bowing,  inquisitive  wrens  to  select  from.  Thirty-three  speci- 
mens of  the  San  Clemente  Wren  were  taken. 

81.  Turdus  aonalaschkcB — Dwarf  Hermit  Thrush. 

At  the  time  of  my  first  visit,  this  bird  was  common  along  the 
canons  among  the  cherry  bushes.  It  was  probably  only  a win- 
ter visitant.  One  specimen  was  taken. 


Entire  List  of  Water=Birds  Observed. 


This  list  comprises  the  notes  of  both  trips  to  the  islands,  the 
first  from  March  26  until  April  4,  and  the  second  from  May  ii  until 
June  9.  It  includes  all  the  water-birds  positively  identified  from  the 
time  we  left  San  Pedro  until  our  return.  A few  others  were  seen, 
such  as  ducks  and  waders,  which  were  not  with  certainty  identifiable. 


1.  Lunda  cirrhata — Tufted  Puffin. 

About  a dozen  of  these  birds  were  probably  breeding  on  Santa 
Barbara  Island.  They  were  seen  flying  about  a bluff  on  the 
north  side  of  that  island  on  several  occasions  during  our  stay 
there — ^May  13  to  18.  They  were  shy  and  none  were  obtained. 

2.  Ptychoramphus  aleuticus — Cassin’s  Auklet. 

This  bird  was  breeding  in  large  numbers  on  Santa  Barbara 
Island.  The  southwest  side  of  the  mesa  from  the  top  of  the 
bluff  to  the  summit  of  the  hill  was  crowded  with  their  bur- 
rows. On  the  evening  of  May  16,  Mr.  Gaylord  and  I went 
over  to  this  colony.  Not  a single  bird  was  to  be  seen  above 
ground  during  the  day,  nor  even  until  quite  dark;  but  by  8 
o’clock  the  Auklets  began  one  by  one  to  arrive  from  out  to  sea. 
They  would  alight  among  the  weeds  with  a thud  and  shuffle 
through  the  stalks  in  a very  uncertain  manner,  but  each  one 
seemed  to  know  where  his  respective  burrow  was.  When  leav- 
ing, they  generally  had  a hard  time  to  gain  their  flight,  flopping 
among  the  weeds  in  a most  awkward  way.  We  caught  quite 
a number  besides  digging  out  several.  The  gullets  of  those 
arriving  were  distended  with  a quantity  of  partly  digested  fish 
for  feeding  the  young.  Out  of  eleven  occupied  burrows  dug 
into,  four  contained  each  a badly  incubated  egg  with  the  old 
bird,  and  the  other  burrows  young  of  various  sizes.  The  bur- 
rows were  two  to  four  feet  long  with  an  eliptical  nest  cavity  at 
the  end,  four  inches  in  diameter.  Nineteen  specimens  of  the 
Cassin’s  Auklet  were  preserved. 


August,  1897. 


Water-Birds  Observed. 


23 


Large  numbers  of  these  birds  were  seen  during  the  day  off 
San  Nicolas  Island,  between  it  and  Santa  Barbara  Island,  but  no 
breeding  colony  was  discovered  on  the  former. 

S.  Brachyramphus  hypoleucus — Xantus’s  Murrelet. 

Common  out  in  the  channel  betweeen  San  Pedro  and  Catalina 
Island.  A specimen  was  secured  May  13,  near  Santa  Barbara 
Island,  and  others  seen. 

4.  Cepphus  columba — Pigeon  Guillemot. 

Very  common  along  the  precipituous  rocky  shores  of  Santa  Bar- 
bara Island,  where  they  were  breeding.  Mr.  Gaylord  and  my- 
self found  four  slightly-incubated  sets,  three  of  two  eggs,  and 
one  of  one  egg,  on  May  15.  They  were  in  a large  cave  on  the 
north  side  of  the  island.  This  cave  had  evidently  been  hollowed 
out  by  the  surf  which  thundered  far  back  into  the  narrow 
chasm.  On  one  side  was  a shelf  extending  for  some  distance 
into  the  cave  just  above  tide  mark.  On  this  bench  were  strewn 
large  boulders.  As  we  entered  the  cave,  several  Guillemots 
flew  out  past  us,  and  a careful  search  in  the  crevices  and  under 
the  boulders,  by  the  scanty  light  of  matches,  disclosed  the  eggs. 
They  were  laid  on  the  bare  gravel,  usually  far  under  some  slab 
of  rock,  where  they  were  hard  to  reach.  The  birds  did  not 
come  back  while  we  were  in  the  vicinity  of  the  cave.  Two 
specimens  of  the  Pigeon  Guillemot  were  taken. 

5.  Larus  occidentalis — Western  Gull. 

This  bird  was  noted  nearly  everywhere  we  went.  A small 
colony  were  breeding  on  San  Nicolas  Island,  and  immense  num- 
bers on  Santa  Barbara  Island.  On  the  latter  they  were  nesting 
on  the  outer  margins  of  the  mesa,  nearly  the  whole  way  around 
the  Island.  A good  many  were  nesting  on  the  sides  of  the  hills 
in  the  center  of  the  island.  Full  sets  were  of  three.  On  May 
18,  about  twenty  sets  of  fresh  eggs  were  collected,  but  as  yet 
only  few  of  the  nests  contained  full  sets.  The  nests  were  slight 
depressions  among  the  weeds  and  grass,  with  a scanty  lining  of 

. dry  plant  stems  and  grasses.  One  Western  Gull  from  Santa 

Barbara  Island  was  preserved. 

6.  Larus  californicus — California  Gull. 

Immature  birds  of  this  species  were  always  seen  about  San 
Pedro  harbor,  and  even  far  out  in  the  channel.  One  was  noted 
May  12  off  Catalina  Island. 


24 


Pasadena  Academy  of  Sciences. 


Publication  /. 


7.  Lafus  heermanni — Heermann’s  Gull. 

During  my  first  visit  to  San  Clemente  Island,  these  gulls,  mostly 
immature  birds,  were  common  along  the  beach  at  Smuggler’s 
Cove.  Two  specimens  were  taken.  Seen  also  commonly  in  the 
channel  near  San  Pedro  harbor.  They  were  noted  there  May 
1 1 , the  last  observed. 

8.  Larus  Philadelphia — Bonaparte’s  Gull. 

We  saw  a pair  of  these  small  gulls  in  San  Pedro  harbor  just  as 
we  were  leaving.  May  ii. 

9.  Sterna  maxima — Royal  Tern. 

Seen  commonly  about  San  Pedro  and  in  the  channel.  One  was 
seen  off  the  south  end  of  Catalina  Island  on  June  9. 

10.  Diomedea  nigripes — Black-footed  Albatross. 

One  was  seen  on  May  27,  between  San  Nicolas  and  San  Cle- 
mente Islands,  and  another  between  San  Clemente  and  Catalina 
Islands  on  June  8.  These  were  identified  by  Mr.  Gaylord. 

11.  Pujjinus  creatopus — Pink-footed  Shearwater. 

Several  Shearwaters  seen  between  Catalina  and  Santa  Barbara 
Islands,  were  identified  by  Mr.  Gaylord  as  of  this  species. 

12.  Pujjinus  opisthomelas — Black-vented  Shearwater. 

Immense  numbers  of  these  birds  were  observed  May  1 1 , resting 
on  the  water  in  beds,  a mile  out  in  the  channel  from  San  Pedro 
harbor.  They  were  so  gorged  with  small  fish  that  they  could 
scarcely  fly.  Ten  specimens  were  secured.  They  all,  male  as 
well  as  females,  had  bare  spaces  on  their  breasts,  and  the  state 
of  the  reproductive  organs  showed  that  they  must  have  recently 
bred.  This  species  was  also  observed  in  the  same  locality,  but 
in  much  less  numbers,  on  March  26,  and  again  on  June  9.  A 
few  were  noted  off  Catalina  Island  on  May  12.  Although  we 
searched  carefully  on  Santa  Barbara  Island,  where  these  birds  are 
said  to  have  formerly  bred,  we  failed  to  find  any  trace  of  them.. 

13.  Puffinus  griseus — Dark-bodied  Shearwater. 

There  were  quite  a number  of  this  species  seen  along  with  the 
Black- vented  Shearwaters  on  May  ii,  and  one  was  taken.  I 
also  saw  several  in  the  channel  on  April  4,  and  on  June  9. 


August,  1897, 


Water-Birds  Observed. 


25 


14.  Oceanodroma  melania — Black  Petrel. 

A large  dark  colored  Petrel  seen  in  small  numbers  on  several 
occasions,  was  identified  by  Mr.  Gaylord  as  of  this  species. 
It  was  seen  between  Catalina  and  Santa  Barbara  Islands  on  May 
12;  between  San  Nicolas  and  San  Clemente  on  May  27;  and 
between  San  Clemente  and  Catalina,  on  June  8. 

Small  Petrels  of  some  kind  were  heard  at  night  on  the  east 
end  of  San  Nicolas,  and  at  Mosquito  Harbor  on  San  Clemente, 
but  no  trace  of  them  were  to  be  found  by  day.  We  searched  dili- 
gently for  their  burrows,  but  failed  entirely.  As  Mr.  Gajdord 
suggested.  Petrels  may  have  bred  later  in  the  Auklet  burrows 
on  Santa  Barbara  Island. 

15.  Phalacrocorax  dilophus  albociliatus — Farallone  Cormorant. 

Immature  birds  were  seen  commonly  about  San  Nicolas  Island, 
but  none  were  found  breeding.  On  Santa  Barbara  Island,  how- 
ever, this  Cormorant  was  breeding  in  large  numbers.  Most  of 
the  birds  were  nest-building,  and  but  two  sets,  of  three  and  four 
fresh  eggs  were  found — May  1 5.  Their  nests  were  made  of 

coarse  sticks  and  seaweeds,  and  built  usually  on  the  ground  on 
the  sloping  sides  of  the  island  above  the  rocks;  several  nests  were 
built  in  bushes  from  one  to  three  feet  above  the  ground.  The 
nests  of  this  species  of  Cormorant  were  never  in  close  colonies, 
but  scattered  promiscuously  wherever  the  birds  fancied.  Single 
nests  were  frequently  found  by  themselves  a long  distance  from 
any  others.  One  specimen  of  the  Farallone  Cormorant  was 
saved. 

16.  Phalacrocorax  penicillatus — Brandt’s  Cormorant. 

Seen  commonly  everywhere  we  went.  Mr.  Gaylord  found  a 
small  colony  nesting  on  the  north  side  of  San  Nicolas  Island. 
On  Santa  Barbara  Island  this  bird  was  nesting  in  large  rookeries. 
These  rookeries  were  generally  situated  nearly  to  the  base  of 
the  precipitous  sides  of  the  island,  often  but  a few  feet  above 
water  line,  A sloping  shelf  of  rock  or  heap  of  fallen  boulders 
was  usually  preferred.  The  nests  were  built  as  close  as  the^^ 
could  rest.  They  were  made  of  turf  and  seaweed,  and  were 
filthy  with  excrement,  so  different  from  the  neat-looking  nests  of 
the  Farallone  Cormorant.  On  May  15,  we  took  about  30  sets 
of  three  and  four  eggs  each.  They  were  in  all  stages  of  incu- 
bation, and  several  nests  contained  young  just  hatched.  One 
specimen  of  this  Cormorant  was  taken. 


26 


Pasadena  Academy  of  Sciences. 


Publication  1. 


17.  Phalacrocorax pelagicus  resplendens — Baird’s  Cormorant. 
This  Cormorant  was  seen  only  at  Santa  Barbara  Island,  where 
it  was  nesting  in  smaller  numbers  than  either  of  the  other 
species.  The  nests  were  unique,  in  always  being  inaccessible. 
They  were  built  either  on  a narrow  projection  of  rock,  or  in  a 
niche  on  the  face  of  a cliff.  Seldom  more  than  two  or  three 
nests  were  seen  in  any  one  place.  The  birds  were  apparently 
incubating.  Two  specimens  of  the  Baird’s  Cormorant  were 
taken. 

18  Pelecanus  calif ornicus — California  Brown  Pelican. 

Common  at  San  Pedro  harbor,  and  for  several  miles  out  into  the 
channel.  Mr.  Gaylord  saw  a flock  of  flfteen  at  San  Nicolas 
Island  on  May  25.  A few  were  seen  near  Santa  Barbara  Island 
on  May  13.  No  signs  of  nesting  were  found  anywhere. 

19.  Ardea  herodias — Great  Blue  Heron. 

One  was  seen  on  the  southeast  end  of  San  Clemente  Island  on 
March  28,  and  another  on  San  Nicolas  Island  on  May  24. 

20.  Himafitopus  mexicanus — Black-necked  Stilt. 

I took  a male  Black-necked  Stilt  on  San  Nicolas  Island  on  May 
25.  It  was  alone  on  the  margin  of  a tide  pool. 

21.  Heteractitis  incanus — Wandering  Tattler. 

I took  a male  Wandering  Tattler  on  the  southeast  end  of  San 
Clemente  Island  on  March  29.  It  was  alone  on  a rocky  beach. 

22.  Actitis  macularia — Spotted  Sandpiper. 

I took  a female  Spotted  Sandpiper  on  San  Nicolas  Island  on 
May  25.  It  was  alone  flying  along  the  beach.  Undoubtedly  a 
migrant. 

23.  xEgialitis  nivosa — Snowy  Plover. 

This  bird  was  common  along  the  sandy  beaches  at  San  Nicolas 
Island,  and  was  undoubtedly  breeding.  Two  specimens  were 
taken  May  20. 

24.  Arenaria  melanocephala — Black  Turnstone. 

During  my  first  visit  to  San  Clemente  Island,  these  birds  were 
not  uncommon  along  the  rocky  shores.  An  adult  male  was 
secured  on  March  28. 


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3 19B4 


PASADENA  ACADEMY  OE  SCIENCES. 

PUBLICA  TION  NO.  II. 


OF  THE  PACIFIC  SLOPE  OF 


Los  Angeles  County 


BY 

JOSEPH  QRINNELL. 


Press  of  G.  A.  Swerdfiger 
PASADENA,  CALIFORNIA. 
MARCH,  1898. 


NAT. 


PASADENA  ACADEMY  OE  SCIENCES. 

rUBLrCAl ION  NO.  II. 


OF  THE  PACIFIC  SLOPE  OF 


Los  Angeles  County. 


A LIST  WITH  BRIEF  NOTES. 


BY 

JOSEPH  QRINNELL,  A.  B., 


Assistant  Instructor  in  Biology,  Throop  Polytechnic  Institute. 


Press  of  G.  A.  Swerdfiger 
PAvSADRNA,  CALIFORNIA. 
MARCH,  1898. 


Pasadena  Academy  of  Sciences, 

PASADENA.  CALIFORNIA. 


OFFICERS: 


PROF.  CHARLES  F.  HOLDER, 
PROF.  ERNEST  B.  HOAG, 
HON.  DELOS  ARNOLD, 
FRANK  S.  DAGGETT, 
OLIVER  M.  GALE. 


President. 
First  Vice-President. 
Second  Vice-President. 

Secretaiy. 

Treasurer. 


EXECUTIVE  COMMITTEE: 

Prof.  Ernkst  B.  Hoag,  Frank  S.  Daggett,  Dr.  Geo.  S.  Hull, 
Joseph  Grinneee,  Major  H.  N.  Rust. 


REGULAR  MEETINGS: 


Assembly  Hall,  Throop  Polytechnic  Institute,  first  and  third  Friday 
evenings  of  each  month. 


INTRODUCTION. 


The  present  list  is  intended  to  include  all  birds  which  have  been  so  far 
proven  to  occur  within  the  limits  of  the  region  under  consideration.  Besides 
their  common  and  scientific  names,  brief  notes  are  added  on  their  comparative 
abundance  and  distribution;  definite  dates  of  arrival  and  departure,  in  the  cases 
of  migratory  birds;  the  extent  of  the  breeding  season,  giving  exact  dates  and 
citing  extreme  instances. 

No  species  or  subspecies  has  been  entered  except  upon  the  best  of  evidence. 
Thus  many,  especially  water  birds,  which  I am  certain  do  occur,  have  been  ex- 
cluded because  specimens  have  not  been  actually  secured  and  properly  identified. 
All  notes  have  undergone  careful  consideration  and  if  the  least  doubt  has  existed 
as  to  their  authenticity,  they  have  been  stricken  out.  Thus  certain  recently  re- 
corded breeding  notes  have  not  been  admitted  on  account  of  a doubt  as  to  the 
identity  of  the  species  in  question,  although  I could  not  prove  it  to  thave  been 
wrong. 

All  species  and  subspecies,  concerning  the  relationship  of  which  there  was 
any  uncertainty,  have  been  carefully  looked  up  or  submitted  to  the  best  authori- 
ties for  verification.  In  case  of  slight  races,  comparative  series  have  been  exam- 
ined, and  their  status  as  accurately  as  possible  determined. 

The  present  list,  with  the  accompanying  notes,  is  the  result  mainly  of  ob- 
servations made  by  members  of  the  Southern  Division  of  the  Cooper  Ornitholog- 
ical Club,  and  cover  little  more  than  the  past  six  or  eight  years,  a very  short  time 
as  compared  with  the  years  of  careful  observation  carried  on  in  some  of  the  East- 
ern states.  Yet  the  results  of  our  work  are  so  favorable  that  it  is  hoped  we  are 
not  judged  conceited  or  hasty  in  publishing  at  least  this  annotated  list. 

The  region  dealt  with  may  seem  to  be  rather  ill-defined,  but  I think  that,  as 
restricted,  it  comprises  a neat  little  geographical  area,  quite  distinct  from  the  sur- 
rounding country.  It  is  very  seldom  that  faunal  areas  coincide  with  political  di- 
visions, and  frequently  a state  or  county  may  lie  in  parts  of  two  or  more  entirely 
different  regions,  as  in  the  case  of  Los  Angeles  County,  which  is  about  half  and 
half  in  the  desert  and  in  the  Pacific  district. 

As  indicated  by  the  title  of  this  paper,  the  region  here  dealt  with  is  the  por- 
tion of  Los  Angeles  County  lying  southwest  of  the  divide  between  the  desert  and 
the  Pacific  slopes.  The  lower  part  of  Orange  County  lying  west  of  the  Santa  Ana 
mountains  is  also  included,  as  it  is  topographically  identical  with  the  contiguous 
portion  of  Los  Angeles  County. 

The  region  under  consideration  presents  considerable  variation  as  regards  to- 
pographic characters,  and  to  this  fact  may  be  attributed  the  large  number  of 
birds  found  in  so  limited  an  area.  It  is  approximately  sixty  miles  square  in  extrem^ 
dimensions.  Beginning  at  the  seacoast,  there  is  a gradual  rise  to  the  base  of  the 
main  mountain  ranges  when  there  is  an  abrupt  elevation  to  the  divide,  which  va- 
ries from  4000  to  9000  feet  in  altitude.  Along  the  coast  there  are  several  bayous 
with  extensive  salt  marshes.  A litle  further  inland,  in  the  artesian  well  districts 


4 


Pasadena  Academy  of  Sciences. 


Publication  II. 


and  along  the  streams,  there  are  numerous  fresh  water  ponds  and  swamps.  The 
plains  which  comprise  the  major  part  of  this  region,  extend  almost  unbrokenly, 
gently  sloping  up  to  the  base  of  the  mountains.  However,  on  the  eastern  and 
western  margins  are  ranges  of  hills  or  low  mountains,  furrowed  by  ravines  and 
canyons.  The  dry,  elevated  slopes  lying  along  the  base  of  the  Sierra  Madre 
range,  at  an  elevation  of  600  to  1200  feet,  I have  termed  the  mesa  region  in  dis- 
tinction from  the  lower  plains  lying  toward  the  coast.  The  high  mesas  are 
crossed  by  broad  sandy  washes  and  arroyos,  and  thus  more  nearly  resemble  the 
desert  on  the  opposite  side  of  the  mountains.  The  brush-covered  foot-hills  rise  in 
successively  higher  spurs  and  ridg,es,  culminating  in  the  lofty  mountain  ranges 
which  form  the  desert  divide.  The  higher  mountains  are  clothed  with  heavy  con- 
iferous forests,  while  the  canyons  are  lined  with  alders  and  sycamores.  Exten- 
sive oak  forests  cover  portions  of  the  mesas  and  lowlands,  especially  along  the 
western  border  of  the  county. 

The  water  birds  known  to  occur  around  the  neighboring  islands  of  Santa  Cat- 
alina and  Santa  Barbara,  and  in  the  intermediate  Santa  Barbara  Channel,  are  of 
course  considered  as  belonging  to  the  Eos  Angeles  County  fauna,  but  the  land 
birds  of  the  mainland  only  are  included.  The  water  birds  of  this  county  have 
been  given  but  very  little  attention.  Mr.  A.  M.  Shields,  to  whom  I am  greatly 
indebted  for  notes  on  the  major  part  of  the  game  birds,  has  in  fact  done  almost 
the  only  work  in  that  line.  The  sea  birds  can  be  but  poorly  represented,  when 
we  consider  the  number  which  should  and  undoubtedly  do  occur  along  our  coast 
and  in  the  adjacent  ocean  channel.  The  land  birds,  however,  I believe  to  be  very 
well  covered,  at  least  those  of  regular  occurrence,  and  besides  these  it  will  be 
noted  that  there  are  several  rather  unexpected  stragglers. 

It  is  hoped  that  this  initiatory  effort  at  cataloguing  our  native  birds  will  be  a 
basis  for  further  and  more  extended  observations  in  this  comparatively  little 
known  region. 

I wish  to  extend  my  thanks  especially  to  Messrs.  Frank  S.  Daggett,  Horace 
A.  Gaylord  and  G.  F.  Morcom  for  aid  and  suggestions  and  for  critically  reading 
the  manuscript.  I am  also  indebted  to  the  following  observers  for  more  or  less 
extended  local  lists  or  notes:  Ralph  Arnold,  Walter  E.  Bryant,  Dee  Chambers, 

A.  J.  Cook,  Evan  Davis,  Chas.  E.  Groesbeck,  Frank  J.  Illingworth,  Frank  B.  Jew- 
ett, Will  B.  Judson,  Harry  J.  Eeland,  A.  I.  McCormick,  Virgil  W.  Owen,  Earl  D. 
Parker,  Howard  Robertson,  Edward  Simmons,  Frank  Stephens,  Harry  S.  Swarth 
and  M.  E.  Wicks,  Jr. 

For  identification  of  specimens  I owe  my  sincerest  thanks  to  Prof.  Robert 
Ridgway  and  Mr.  William  Palmer  of  the  National  Museum,  and  to  Messrs.  A.  W. 
Anthony  and  William  Brewster. 

Finally,  to  the  Pasadena  Academy  of  Sciences,  I express  my  gratitude  for  en- 
abling me  to  publish  this  paper. 

Pasadena,  California,  JOSEPH  GRINNEEE, 

February  21,  1898. 


Birds  of  the  Pacific  Slope  of  Los  Angeles  County. 


1 —  Aichmophorus  occidentalis  (Lawr.)- 

Western  Grebe. 

Tolerably  common  winter  visitant  along  the  coast,  and  occasional 
in  the  interior  on  the  larger  ponds.  A disabled  individual  of  this  spe- 
cies was  found  by  Arthur  Hewitt  on  one  of  the  streets  of  Pasadena, 
Feb.  21,  ’95. 

2 —  4.  Colymbus  tiigricollis  calif oi'nicus  (Heerm. ). 

Aroericao  Eared  Grebe. 

Occasional  in  summer  on  the  larger  fresh  water  ponds,  and  in 
winter  along  the  coast.  I found  it  numerous  at  Catalina  Island  in  the 
last  week  of  December,  ’97.  It  breeds  at  Elizabeth  Take  in  the  north- 
ern part  of  the  county,  and  abundantly  at  Bear  Valley  Lake  in  the  San 
Bernardino  Mountains.  W.  H.  Wakele^^  has  an  immature  male  of  this 
species  in  perfect  albino  plumage,  shot  near  San  Pedro,  Sept.  30,  ’86. 

3 —  6.  Podilymbus podiceps  (Linn.). 

Pied-billed  Grebe. 

Common  resident  on  ponds  and  lagoons  throughout  the  lowlands. 
It  appears  in  the  fall  in  localities  where  it  is  not  seen  at  other  times;  V. 
W.  Owen  has  tak  n specimens  at  that  season  on  a reservor  at  Gar- 
vanza.  Breeds  in  May. 

4 —  7.  Urinator  hnber  (Gunn.). 

Loop). 

Tolerably  common  along  the  coast  as  well  as  inland  on  fresh  wa- 
ter ponds  in  midwinter.  For  several  years,  before  the  reservoirs  in 
North  Pasadena  were  cemented.  Loons  were  of  regular  occurrence, 
subsisting  on  the  fish  which  were  then  abundant  in  the  reservoirs. 
One  bird  in  particular  became  very  tame  and  was  regularly  fed  by  the 
“ zanquero  ” until  it  disappeared  in  the  spring. 

5 —  70.  Urbiator  pacificus  (Lawr.). 

Pacific  Looq. 

Tolerably  common  midwinter  visitant  along  the  coast.  A.  M. 
Shields  shot  an  adult  male  specimen  at  Nigger  Slough  in  January,  ’93. 
I found  it  common  at  Catalina  Island  in  the  latter  part  of  December, 
’97,  and  took  two  specimens. 

6 —  II.  Urmator  lumme  (Gunn.). 

Red-throated  Loon. 

Tolerably  common  winter  visitant  along  the  coast.  F.  S.  Daggett 
took  a specimen  at  San  Pedro,  Jan.  4,  ’96,  and  several  others  were 
seen.  I have  noted  it  in  the  spring  as  late  as  the  first  week  in  April. 


Numbers  and  nomeclature  are  according  to  the  A.  O.  U.  Check-list. 


6 


Pasadena  Academy  of  Sciences. 


Publication  II. 


7 —  12.  Lunda  cirrhata  Pall. 

Tufted  Puffin. 

I observed  a few  in  May,  ’97,  at  Santa  Barbara  Island,  where 
they  were  probably  nesting. 

8 —  75.  Cerorhinca  ^nonocerata  (Pall.). 

Rhinoceros  fluKlet. 

Apparently  a common  winter  visitant.  I found  it  comparatively 
numerous  at  Catalina  Island  in  the  last  week  of  December,  ’97,  and 
secured  ten  specimens  in  one  day’s  collecting.  F.  Stephens  took  a 
specimen  in  the  same  locality  in  the  latter  part  of  March,  ’93.  Evan 
Davis  has  a specimen  taken  near  Newport  Bay  in  winter. 

9 —  16.  Ptychoraynpus  aleiiticus  (Pall.). 

CossiQ’s  Auklet. 

Abundant  resident  around  the  Islands.  I found  it  numerous 
at  Catalina  Island  in  December,  ’97,  and  breeding  in  large  numbers  on 
Santa  Barbara  Island  in  Ma>^  ’97.  On  May  16,  badly  incubated  eggs 
and  young  of  all  sizes  were  secured,  so  that  the  breeding  season  prob- 
ably begins  in  March. 

10 —  25.  Brachyramphus  hypoleucus  Xantus. 

Xantus’s  Murrelet. 

Seen  frequently  out  in  the  Channel  at  all  seasons.  I took  a spec- 
imen near  Santa  Barbara  Island,  May  13,  ’97. 

11 —  2g.  Cepphus  columba  Vf[\. 

Pigeon  Guillemot. 

Common  resident  about  the  Islands.  I saw  several  at  Catalina 
Island  in  December,  ’97,  and  found  it  breeding  numerously  at  Santa 
Barbara  Island  in  May,  ’97.  Fresh  sets  of  two  eggs  each  were  taken 
on  May  15. 

12—  -j*/.  Stercorarius parasiticus  (Finn.). 

Parasitic  Jaeger. 

A female  of  this  species  was  taken  at  Santa  Monica,  Sept.  29,  ’95, 
by  H.  S.  Swarth.  Jaegers  are  not  infrequently  seen  along  the  coast  in 
winter,  and  probably  include  other  species  besides  this. 

13 —  ^4.  Larus  glaucescens  Naum. 

Glaucous-wioged  Gull. 

W.  B.  Judson  has  an  immature  specimen  taken  near  Redondo  in 
winter.  I identified  this  species  at  Catalina  Island  in  December,  ’97. 
It  undoubtedl}^  occurs  as  a regular  winter  visitant. 

14 —  4(4.  Larus  occidentalis  And. 

Westerr)  Gull. 

Abundant  throughout  the  year  along  the  coast.  Especially  nu- 
merous in  San  Pedro  Harl)or,  where  they  are  protected  by  law  as  be- 
ing useful  scavengers.  Breeds  in  large  numbers  on  Santa  Barbara  Is- 
land. In  May  ’97,  full  sets  of  three  fresh  eggs  were  found  by  the  i8th. 
Nests  also  on  an  outlying  rock  near  the  Isthmus  at  Catalina. 


March,  i8g8.  Birds  of  the  Pacific  Slope  of  Los  Angeles  County. 


15 —  51a.  Lams  argenialus  smith sonia^ius  Cones. 

American  Herring  Gull. 

This  species  is  frequent  in  winter  along  the  coast.  I found  it  in 
small  numbers  in  December,  ’97,  at  Catalina  Island,  and  a specimen 
was  obtained. 

16 —  S3‘  Larus  calif ornicus  Lawr. 

California  Gull. 

Common  winter  visitant  along  the  coast.  This  species  also  fre- 
quents the  fresh  \vater  marshes  back  from  the  coast,  feeding  on  dead 
ducks  at  the  sporting  grounds,  and  I have  even  seen  it  along  the  river 
bottom  near  Los  Angeles. 

17 —  5/.  Larus  delaw arc7i sis  Ord. 

Ring-billed  Gull. 

Tolerably  common  along  the  coast  in  midwinter.  J.  F.  Illing- 
worth has  a specimen  taken  at  Long  Beach,  Dec.  20,  ’92,  and  I have 
one  taken  at  the  same  place,  Dec.  4,  ’96. 

18 —  57.  Larus  heei'maiini  Cass. 

Heerroann’s  Gull. 

Generalh"  a common  winter  visitant  along  the  coast.  I have  seen 
it  in  spring  as  late  as  May  ii  (’97),  and  in  the  fall  by  Sept,  i (’97). 
When  the  fishermen  draw  their  seines  along  the  beaches,  clouds  of 
gulls  are  usually  attracted  and  of  these,  this  species  generally  forms 
about  one-fourth,  while  the  Western  Gull  forms  about  one-half.  The 
greater  part  of  our  winter  visitants  among  the  Laridae  are  in  immature 
plumage,  and  consequently  in  most  cases  difficult  to  distinguish  at  a 
distance.  I suspect  that  a systematic  slaughter  of  the  swarms  of  gulls 
attracted  by  the  fishermen  wo.uld  result  in  the  addition  of  several  more 
species  to  our  list.  But  this  would  be  a practice  that  is  certainly  rep- 
rehensible in  the  extreme,  although  I understand  it  has  been  resorted 
to,  to  a successful  degree,  by  a “lover  of  birds”  near  San  Francisco. 

19 —  60.  Larus  Philadelphia  (Ord). 

Bonaparte’s  Gull. 

Occasional  winter  visitant  along  the  coast.  I have  an  adult  male 
taken  near  Santa  monica,  Dec.  8,  ’89,  by  E.  C.  Thurber.  I saw  a pair 
in  San  Pedro  Harbor  on  May  ii,  ’97,  and  a single  individual  at  the 
same  place,  Jan.  30,  ’97. 

20 —  <55.  Steriia  maxhna  Bodd. 

Royal  Tern. 

More  or  less  common  throughout  the  year  along  the  coast.  Very 
numerous  in  winter  around  Catalina  Island.  I do  not  know  of  its 
breeding  north  of  Lower  California. 

21 —  dp.  Sterna  forsteri  Nutt. 

Forster’s  Tern. 

Common  spring  and  fall  migrant;  seen  generally  about  the  sloughs 
and  bays.  I secured  specimens  at  San  Pedro,  Sept,  i,  ’97.  H.  A. 
Gaylord  saw  several  individuals  at  Alamitos  Beach,  Dec.  4,  ’96. 


8 


Publication  II. 


Pasadena  Academy  of  Sciences. 


22 —  7^.  Stema  ajitillar^im  (Less.). 

Least  Tern. 

Abundant  in  summer,  coastwise.  Arriv^es  about  the  middle  of 
April  and  leaves  for  the  most  part  late  in  August,  although  V.  W. 
Owen  noted  a few  near  Long  Beach  on  Sept.  24  (’97).  This  tern  nests 
abundantly  in  suitable  places  along  the  sea  coast.  A strip  of  sandy 
beach  separating  the  surf  from  a tide  marsh  seems  to  be  generally  se- 
lected. Such  nesting  sites  are  on  Terminal  Island  and  Ballona  Beach, 
where  good-sized  colonies  are  usually  found  breeding.  Sets  are  most 
often  of  two,  occasionally  of  three.  Breeds  mainly  in  June.  Evan 
Davis  has  found  fresh  eggs  as  early  as  May  20,  and  as  late  as  Aug.  12, 
at  Newport  Beach. 

23 —  81.  Diomedea  nigripcs  Aud. 

BlacK-footed  Albatross. 

Tolerably  common  out  to  sea,  probably  occurring  throughout  the 
year.  Follows  in  the  wake  of  steamships  and  other  large  vessels,  and 
at  such  times  known  to  the  sailors  as  “Goonies.” 

24 —  82.  Diomedea  albatrus  Pall.! 

Short-tailed  Albatross. 

Dr.  J.  G,  Cooper  informs  me  that  he  has  taken  this  species  near 
Catalina  island.  I once  found  a partly  decomposed  specimen  in  the 
surf  at  Long  Beach.  Evan  Davis  has  a fine  specimen  which  was  killed 
with  an  oar  near  Newport  Beach. 

25 —  86b.  Fiilmarius  glaeialis  ghipiseha  Stejn. 

Pacific  Fulmar. 

Irregular  visitant  out  in  the  Channel.  Very  numerous  in  the 
vicinity  of  Catalina  Island  in  the  fall  of  ’97.  F.  S.  Daggett  found  a 
specimen  dead  on  the  sand  at  Long  Beach,  Oct.  ii,  ’95. 

27 — pj.  Pnffi7ins  ereatopus  Cones. 

Pink-footed  Shearwater. 

Occasional  out  to  sea.  Seen  and  positively  identified  near  Catalina 
Island  on  May  12,  ’97,  by  H.  A.  Gaylord. 

27 — 97.  Puffi7i2ts  opisthomelas  Coues. 

Black-vented  Shearwater. 

More  or  less  common  at  all  times  out  in  the  Channel.  During  the 
spring  and  early  summer  of  ’97  they  were  very  abundant  off  San  Pe- 
dro. They  are  said  to  have  formerly  bred  on  Santa  Barbara  Island. 

— 95’  Puffmus  griseus  (Gmel.). 

DarL-bodied  Shearwater. 

Occasionally  common  out  in  the  Channel.  During  the  spring  of 
’97  they  were  not  uncommon  off  San  Pedro,  associated  with  the  Black - 
vented  Shearwaters.  Considerable  numbers  are  sometimes  found 
washed  up  on  the  beaches  in  the  fall  of  the  year.  W.  B.  Judson  noted 
many  of  these  birds,  dead  or  disabled,  on  the  beach  at  Santa  Monica 
toward  the  end  of  August.  ’97. 


March,  iSgS. 


Birds  of  the  Pacific  Slope  of  Los  A//^<^e/es  County. 


i) 


21) — io6.  Oceanodro7ua  leucorhoa  (Vieill.). 

Leaeb’s  Petrel. 

I found  the  remaiiLS  of  one  at  Long-  Beach,  Sept.  7,  ’95.  Dr.  J.  G. 
Cooper  informs  me  that  he  has  observed  a white-rnmped  petrel  out  in 
tlie  Channel  near  Catalina  which  he  considered  of  this  species. 

oO — loy.  Occanodroma  rnclania  (Bonap.). 

BlacL  Petrel. 

During  the  spring  of  ’97,  this  species  was  ob.served  on  several  occa- 
sions out  in  the  open  Channel.  It  is  probably  a more  or  less  common 
resident. 

31 —  1 20c.  Phalacrocorax  dilophus  albociliatus  Ridgw. 

parallone  Cormorant. 

Common  throughout  the  year,  though  less  so  in  summer.  Those 
which  remain  about  San  Pedro  Harbor  in  summer  are  mostly  imma- 
ture. This  is  the  only  cormorant  found  further  inland  than  the  coast, 
it  being  frequent  in  winter  on  the  larger  ponds  and  marshes.  Breeds 
abundantly  on  Santa  Barbara  Island  in  the  latter  part  of  May.  It  also 
breeds,  according  to  A.  M.  Shields,  on  Gull  Rock  near  the  Isthmus  at 
Catalina  Island.  Three  or  four  eggs  constitute  a set. 

32 —  122.  Phalacrocorax  penicillatus  (Brandt). 

Brandt's  Cormorant. 

The  most  abundant  cormorant.  Very  numerous  along  the  coast 
and  breeding  in  large  numbers  on  Santa  Barbara  Island.  On  this  is- 
land, May  15,  ’97,  I found  small  young  as  well  as  eggs  in  all  stages  of 
incubation.  Sets  were  of  two  to  four.  Probably  the  small  size  of 
some  of  the  sets  was  due  to  the  thieving  propensities  of  the  gulls, 
which  are  always  ready  to  carry  off  unprotected  eggs.  This  cormo- 
rant is  the  usual  one  observed  about  San  Pedro,  and  sometimes  hun- 
dreds are  seen  roosting  on  the  breakwater.  Large  beds  of  “shags,” 
as  the  fishermen  call  either  species  of  cormorant,  are  frequently  met 
with  just  outside  the  harbor. 

33 —  I2jb.  Phalacrocorax  pelagicus  respleyidens  (And.). 

Baird’s  Cormorant. 

Tolerably  common  resident  among  the  islands.  Breeds  numer- 
ously on  Santa  Barbara  Island  in  May.  Probably  occurs  in  winter 
along  the  mainland  coast,  but  I have  not  learned  that  it  has  as  yet 
been  positively  identified  there. 

34 —  i2fi.  Petccanus  erythrorhyncos  Gmel. 

American  White  Pelican. 

Occasionally  during  the  fall  and  winter  good-sized  flocks  appear 
on  the  fresh  water  marshes  and  lagoons  near  the  coast.  A.  M.  Shields 
says  that  during  the  migrations  he  has  seen  V-shaped  flocks  further 
inland  flying  at  a considerable  height. 

35 —  I2J.  Pelecanns  californicus  Ridgw. 

California  Brown  Pelican. 

Abundant  in  winter  all  along  our  coast,  and  a few  remain  through 


10 


Pasadena  Academy  of  Sciences. 


Publication  //, 


the  summer  about  San  Pedro  Harbor.  It  does  not  breed  within  our 
limits  that  I know  of,  though  I am  told  that  it  does  north  of  us  on 
Ana  Capa  Island  and  south,  on  I^os  Coronados. 

86 —  128.  Fregata  aquila  Ivinn. 

MoQ-o’-War  Bird. 

Of  not  infrequent  occurrence  along  our  coast  in  winter.  W.  B. 
Judson  reports  seeing  it  at  Santa  Monica,  and  H.  A.  Gaylord,  at  Long 
Beach.  There  is  a specimen  in  a Los  Angeles  taxidermist’s,  which 
was  taken  near  Santa  Monica.  A specimen  was  shot  about  August, 
’92,  in  North  Pasadena  (R.  H.  Lawrence  in  “Auk,”  Vol.  X).  H.  S. 
Swarth  reports  seeing  three  of  these  birds  circling  overhead  near  Los 
Angeles,  in  December,  ’97. 

87 —  i2g.  Merganser  americamis  ( Cass. ) . 

AroericQQ  Merganser. 

Probably  a not  uncommon  winter  visitant.  P'.  vStephens  took  a 
male  at  Alamitos  Bay,  Dec.  15,  ’79. 

88 —  /70.  Aferganser  serraior  ( Limi. ) . 

Red-breasted  MergaQser. 

Common  winter  visitant,  occurring  mostly  along  the  coast.  I saw 
it  at  Catalina  Island  in  December,  ’97.  H.  S.  Swarth  took  a specimen 
near  Los  Angeles,  Dec.  27,  ’94. 

39 —  igi.  Lophodytes  cucullatus  (Linn.). 

hooded  Mergaoser. 

A.  M.  Shields  states  that  this  Saw-bill  is  a common  fall  and  win- 
ter visitant,  arriving  in  November  and  leaving  by  February.  Mostly 
found  along  the  coast  in  the  vicinity  of  the  salt  marshes.  F.  Stephens 
took  an  adult  male  at  Alamitos  Ba}q  Dec.  23,  ’79. 

40 —  IJ2.  Anas  boschas  Linn. 

Mallard. 

Abundant  resident  in  the  neighborbhood  of  fresh  water  marshes, 
and  along  irrigating  ditches  and  streams.  A.  M.  Shields  states  that 
it  breeds  from  the  first  of  April  to  the  last  of  June. 

41 —  lyy.  Anas  sirepera  Linn. 

Gadwall. 

Tolerably  common  resident  in  the  vicinity  of  fresh  water  lagoons. 
A.  M.  Shields  took  a set  of  eleven  eggs,  considerably  incubated,  on 
April  16. 

42 —  ijy.  Anas  ajnericana  Gmel. 

Baldpate. 

Abundant  winter  visitant.  A.  M.  Shields  states  that  after  the 
first  rains,  as  soon  as  the  new  growth  of  grass  appears,  this  duck  ar- 
rives in  thousands.  They  generally  spend  the  day,  in  common  with 
many  other  species  of  ducks,  .several  miles  out  at  .sea,  resting  on  the 
water  in  beds  of  acres  in  extent.  Here  they  are  safe  from  the  gunner 
during  the  day,  and  only  after  nightfall  they  go  inland,  dispersing  over 
alfalfa  and  grain  fields  to  feed.  This  duck  remains  late  in  the  spring. 


A/arch,  i8gS. 


Jiirds  of  Ihc  Paa'jic  Slope  of  Los  Angeles  County. 


1 1 


A.  M.  Shields  states  as  late  as  May  15,  and  arrives  early  in  the  fall. 
Known  generally  among  hunters  as  “widgeon.” 

48 — ijg.  Anas  carolinensis  Ginel. 

GreeQ-wioged  Teal. 

Abundant  in  winter  throughout  the  lowlands.  This  is  the  com- 
monest duck  in  the  game  markets. 

44 —  14.0.  Anas  discors  Linn. 

Blue-Winged  Teal. 

Rare  visitant.  F.  S.  Daggett  took  an  adult  male  near  El  Monte, 
March  12,  ’97.  It  was  on  a small  pond  and  no  others  were  seen.  \V. 

B.  Judson  shot  a female  near  Los  Angeles,  Oct.  31,  ’96. 

45 —  ip.[.  Anas  cya?ioptera  Vieill. 

Cinnamon  Teal. 

An  abundant  fresh  water  duck  during  spring,  summer  and  fall, 
going  south  in  midwinter.  Breeds  in  considerable  numbers  throughout 
the  lower  country  in  the  vicinit}'  of  ponds  and  lagoons.  A set  of 
twelve  fresh  eggs  was  taken  by  A.  M.  Shields  near  Compton,  May  7, 
’95,  Evan  Davis  took  .sets  of  .seven  and  nine  fresh  eggs  each  at  New- 
port Bay,  April  20,  ’97.  Breeds  mostly  in  May. 

4() — 1^2.  Spatula  clypeata  fLinn.  ). 

Sl^oveller. 

Abundant  winter  visitant  about  any  body  of  water.  I have  seen 
it  on  ponds  near  Pasadena  as  late  in  the  spring  as  May  3 (’95  ).  Gen- 
erally called  “spoonbill”  by  local  hunters. 

47 —  //J.  DaJUa  acuta  (Linn.). 

PiQtail. 

Abundant  in  winter,  and  a few  remain  through  the  summer  about 
lagoons  and  marshes.  A.  M.  Shields  states  that  he  has  taken  sets  of 
eggs  in  May.  Commonly  called  “sprig”  by  hunters. 

48 —  ip-p.  Aix  sponsa  {\p\ww.). 

Wood  Duck. 

Occasional  midwinter  visitant.  A.  M.  Shields  states  that  it  breeds 
in  this  State  further  northward,  along  the  San  Joaquin  river. 

49 —  1^6.  Aythya  americaiia  (Eyt.). 

Redh)ead. 

Tolerably  common  in  summer.  Breeds  sparingly  in  fresh  water 
marshe.s. 

.50 — Ay  thy  a valtisncria  (Wils. ). 

Canvas-back. 

Tolerably  common  winter  vi.sitant.  Our  most  highly  prized  game 
bird.  A.  M.  Shields  writes  me  that  he  believes  it  to  occasionally  breed 
within  the  county. 

.51 — i^g.  Ay  thy  a ajffints  ( Eyt. ). 

Lesser  Scaup  Duck. 

A.  M.  Shields  says  that  this  duck  is  found  commonh^  in  fall,  win- 


Pasadena  Academy  of  Sciences. 


Publication  //. 


ter  and  spring  on  the  lagoons  and  bays  along  the  coast,  and  sometimes 
on  the  deeper  bodies  of  fresh  water  a few  miles  inland. 

52 —  /50.  Aythya  coda r is  (Donov.  ). 

Ring-necked  DucK- 

A.  M.  vShields  states  this  dnck  to  occur  in  company  with  the  last, 
but  only  about  one-third  as  numerous.  H.  vS.  Swarth  has  taken  it 
near  Los  Angeles. 

53 —  lyi.  Clangula  clangula  americana  (Bonap.  ). 

Americao  GoldeQ-eye. 

Only  one  record,  that  by  A.  M.  Shields  of  a male  shot  at  Ballona, 
Dec.  14,  ’94.  H,  S.  Swarth  reports  seeing  Golden-eyes  frequently  in 
the  vicinity  of  Los  Angeles,  but  he  is  in  doubt  as  to  the  specie.s. 

54 —  lyy.  Charitonetta  albeola  (Linn.). 

Buffle-b^ad. 

Abundant  winter  visitant,  especially  on  th.e  lagoons  along  the 
coast. 

55 —  i6j.  Oide7nia  americana  Swains. 

fliT)ericao  Scoter. 

A.  M.  Shields  states  that  he  has  found  this  duck  in  limited  num- 
bers during  the  winter  months  along  the  coast  and  on  the  tide  marshes. 
Dr.  J.  G.  Cooper  took  it  at  Catalina  Island,  man}’  years  ago. 

56 —  i6y.  Oidemia  deglandi  Bonap. 

W^ite-winged  Scoter. 

A.  M.  Shields  writes  that  he  has  found  this  to  be  the  commonest 
Scoter  along  the  coast  and  on  the  tide  marshes.  F.  Stephens  found  it 
common  at  Catalina  Island  in  the  latter  part  of  March,  ’93. 

57 —  166.  Oidemia  perspicillata  (Liun.). 

Surf  Scoter. 

Quite  numerous  at  times  during  the  mid-winter  months  along  the 
coast.  I have  noted  considerable  numbers  about  San  Pedro  Harbor  in 
December  and  January.  In  December,  ’97,  it  was  very  numerous  at 
Catalina  Island. 

58 —  i6y.  Erisjuatura  jamaicensis  ( Gmeh). 

Rudd}/  DucL. 

Tolerably  common  resident.  A.  M.  Shields  states  that  it  breeds 
from  late  in  May  until  the  last  of  June.  Evan  Davis  took  a .set  of 
twelve  eggs,  considerably  incubated,  near  Orange  on  May  28th. 

59 —  i6g.  Chen  hyperhorea  (Pall.). 

Lesser  Snow  Goose. 

A.  M.  Shields  considers  this  a common  winter  visitant  in  the  low- 
lands. Immense  numbers  feed  during  the  winter  and  spring  months 
on  the  Centinela  grain  fields.  This  goo.se,  in  common  with  the  other 
species,  does  considerable  damage  to  grain  and  alfalfa  crop.s.  They 
feed  almost  entirely  at  night ; during  the  day  they  stay  out  at  sea  rest- 
ing on  the  water  in  large  beds  a few  miles  off  shore  along  with  swarms 
of  duck.s. 


March,  iSgS.  JUrds  of  the  Pacific  Slope  of  I. os  . lu}:;eles  County.  1:> 

GO — i6ga.  Chen  hyperborea  nivalis  (Forst.). 

Greater  Sqow  Goose. 

Evan  Davis  writes  me  that  he  secured  specimens  of  this  race  along 
with  the  I.esser  Snow  Goose  in  winter  near  Santa  Ana. 

G1 — ijia.  denser  albifrons  gambeli  (Hartl.  ). 

fImericaQ  White-fror)ted  Goose. 

Quite  numerous  during  winter  and  spring  on  the  fresh  water 
marsh  lands.  A.  M.  Shields  states  that  this  is  the  goo.se  usually  dis- 
played in  the  Los  Angeles  game  markets,  being  most  easily  secured  by 
the  pot-hunters. 

G2 — IJ2.  Branta  canadensis  (Linn.). 

Canada  Goose. 

Tolerably  common  in  midwinter  in  the  vicinity  of  fresh  water 
marsh  lands.  I saw  good-sized  flocks  at  Bixby,  Dec.  26,  ’95,  when 
several  specimens  were  secured.  A.  M.  Shields  states  that  this  goo.se 
was  formerl}"  much  more  abundant  than  it  now  is. 

()3 — iy2a.  Branta  caiiadensis  hutchinsii  (Rich.). 

Hutchins’s  Goose. 

A.  M.  Shields  regards  this  as  nearh"  as  numerous  as  the  Lesser 
Snow  Goose,  and  occurring  in  company  with  that  species. 

G4 — lyy.  Branta  nigricans  (Lawr.). 

Black  Braot. 

A.  M.  Shields  is  the  sole  authority  for  adding  this  species  to  our 
list.  He  states  that  the  Black  Brant  is  an  occasional  winter  visitant 
along  the  coast.  It  appears  in  small  flocks  after  severe  storms  further 
north. 

G5 — ij8.  Dcndrocygna  fulva  ( Gmel.). 

Fulvous  Tree-ducL- 

A.  M.  Shields  furnishes  all  the  information  we  have  in  regard  to 
this  interesting  species.  He  has  found  it  to  be  a regular  visitant  in  the 
spring  months  from  the  last  of  January  until  the  latter  part  of  April  or 
even  later.  In  the  spring  of  ’96  a flock  of  about  seventy-five  remained 
in  the  vicinity  of  Nigger  Slough  until  the  middle  of  May.  They  then 
abruptly  disappeared,  probably  returning  southward  where  this  species 
is  known  to  breed,  in  Northern  Mexico. 

GG — 181.  Olor  bucemator  (Rich.  ). 

Trumpeter  Swan. 

A regular  winter  and  spring  visitant  in  small  numbers  on  fresh 
water  ponds  and  lakes.  A.  M.  Shilds  has  taken  two  fine  specimens. 

G7 — i8y.  Plegadis  guaranna  (Linn.). 

Wl^ite-faced  Glossy  Ibis. 

Of  common  occurrence  in  fall,  winter  and  spring.  A few  remain 
through  the  summer  in  the  Ballona  marshes,  and  A.  M.  Shields  be- 
lieves that  they  breed  there. 


14 


Pasadena  Academy  of  Sciences. 


Publication  II 


n<S — 188.  Tantalus  loculaior  Linn. 

Wood  Ibis. 

J.  F.  Illingworth  observed  a large  flock  of  this  species  on  the  bar- 
ley fields  in  the  vicinity  of  Claremont  during  June,  ’97.  On  June  20 
a specimen  was  secured  and  preserved,  and  a few  days  later  a local 
hunter  shot  another. 

lifl — I go.  Dotaiiriis  leniiginosus  (Montag.). 

(American  Bittern. 

Common  throughout  the  winter  on  any  marsh  lands.  A.  M. 
Shields  has  observed  these  birds  in  the  Alamitos  swamps  in  June,  and 
believes  that  the}"  breed,  though  in  very  small  numbers. 

70 —  igi.  Ardetta  exilis  (Omel. ). 

Least  Bittern. 

Probably  as  numerous  as  its  larger  relative,  the  American  Bittern, 
but  on  account  of  its  small  size,  and  habit  of  skulking  to  one  side  in 
the  herbage  rather  than  taking  flight  at  the  approach  of  a person,  it  is 
not  commonly  seen.  Breeds  in  small  numbers  on  sw^amp  lands.  A. 
M.  Shields  has  taken  several  sets  in  the  early  part  of  May. 

71 —  /p/.  Ardea  herodias  Linn. 

Great  Blue  Heron. 

Common  throughout  the  year,  but  most  numerous  in  spring  and 
fall.  Usually  seen  standing  singly  at  the  margins  of  ponds  or  irrigat- 
ing ditches.  Occasionally  companies  of  a dozen  to  twenty  or  more  are 
to  be  seen  on  the  salt  marshes  along  the  coast.  Breeds  sparingly  in  the 
count}\  L.  Chambers  reports  finding  a small  colony  nesting  in  a grove 
of  sycamores  north  of  Santa  Monica.  There  were  thirty-five  nests 
there  in  ’95,  but  in  ’97  their  number  had  decreased  to  six.  May  13, 
’95,  three  considerably  incubated  sets  of  four  each  were  taken.  A.  M. 
Shields  found  a single  nest  of  the  Great  Blue  Heron  near  Cerritos  on 
the  San  Gabriel  River,  May  5,  ’89.  The  set  consisted  of  five  fresh 
eggs.  Evan  Davis  has  located  a small  breeding  colony  near  Orange. 
He  secured  a set  of  four  fresh  eggs  on  June  15. 

72 —  ig6.  Ardea  egret  fa  Gmel. 

Americao  Egret. 

A not  infrequent  winter  and  spring  visitant  on  the  marshlands. 
Seldom  more  than  uiie  is  seen  at  a time,  though  I have  noted  as 
many  as  eight  in  sight  at  once  in  the  salt  marshes  near  San  Pedro.  A. 
M.  Shields  states  that  formerly  this  beautiful  bird  visited  us  in  great 
numbers,  and  that  its  present  scarcity  is  probably  due  to  the  plume 
hunters. 

73 —  igy.  Ardea  eandidissima  Gmel. 

SQOwy  Heror). 

Formerly  a common  visitant  like  the  American  Egret,  but  now 
only  seldom  seen.  W.  H.  Wakeley,  the  Pasadena  taxidermist,  has 
plumes  and  skins  of  both  species  taken  in  the  county.  He  says  that  in 
the  early  8o’s  he  received  many  specimens  from  hunters  and  sports- 
men, but  that  of  late  they  are  very  rarely  brought  in. 


March,  iSgS.  Birds  of  the  Pacific  Slope  of  Los  Angeles  County 


15 


74 — 20 1 c.  Ardea  virescejis  anthonyi  Mearns. 

Anthony’s  Greer)  Heron. 

Comiiion  spring  and  fall  migrant,  appearing  singly  along  streams 
and  ponds.  It  is  not  only  found  in  the  lowlands,  but  I have  taken 
specimens  in  the  mountain  canons  back  of  Pasadena.  Noted  in  the 
vicinity  of  Pasadena  in  the  fall  of  ’94,  from  Aug.  21  to  Sept.  22. 

7b — 202.  Nycticorax  nycticorax  nccvius  (Bodd.). 

BlacK-crowned  Nigl^t  Heron. 

Abundant  migrant  and  common  throughout  the  winter.  PAund 
along  the  margins  of  any  body  of  water  or  stream,  frequently  at  a con- 
siderable elevation  in  the  mountain  canons.  Although  this  bird  has 
not  been  found  nesting  within  the  limits  of  the  County,  it  probably 
does  not  go  far,  as  I have  shot  specimens  toward  the  latter  part  of  April 
which  contained  well-developed  eggs. 

76 —  206.  Grus  mexicana  ( Mull.  ). 

Sandhill  Crane. 

Principally  in  evidence  during  the  migrations  in  large  V-shaped 
flocks  high  in  the  air.  flying  northward  or  southward  according  to  the 
season.  A.  M.  Shields  states  that  a few  stay  through  the  winter  and 
spring  months  up  to  May  first,  among  the  Centinela  hills  and  grain- 
fields.  F.  S.  Daggett  has  noted  them  in  grain-fields  in  winter  near 
Pasadena. 

77 —  210,  Rallus  obsoletus  Ridgw. 

California  Clapper  Rail. 

Tolerably  cn-n  non  resident  in  the  salt  marshes  along  the  coast. 
Among  the  lagoons  between  San  Pedro  and  Tong  Beach,  their  loud 
cackling  notes  are  frequently  heard,  especially  at  high  tide,  when  they 
are  driven  to  the  higher  ground.  They  probably  nest  in  moderate 
abundance,  though  few  eggs  have  so  far  been  taken.  W.  B.  Judson 
took  a set  of  six  slightly  incubated  eggs  at  B illona,  May  16,  ’94. 

78 —  212.  Rallus  virginianus  Linn. 

Virginia  Rail. 

Of  not  infrequent  occurrence  in  spring  and  fall.  A few  have  been 
noted  in  summer,  so  they  probably  breed. 

79 —  2ip.  Porzana  Carolina  (Linn.). 

Sora. 

Wherever  there  are  swampy  lands  overgrown  with  marsh  grass 
and  tules,  the  Sora  is  a more  or  less  common  resident.  During  the 
migrations  it  is  somewhat  more  numerous  and  appears  in  localities 
where  it  is  not  found  at  any  other  season.  A.  M.  Shields  writes  me 
that  he  has  taken  many  sets,  all  in  May.  The  nest  is  built  usually  on 
the  ground,  and  well  concealed  within  a clump  of  grass  or  tules.  Sets 
are  of  7 to  14  eggs. 

80 —  2 16.  Porzana  janiaicensis  (Gmel.  ). 

BlacL  Rail. 

This  very  small  and  secretive  bird  is  but  rarely  noted.  Evan 


1() 


J'^asadena  Acadony  of  Sciences. 


Publication  II. 


Davis  took  a specimen  near  Orange,  Dec.  12,  ’96.  G.  F.  Morcom  saw 
one  in  the  Ballona  marsh,  May  16,  ’95,  and  thinks  it  must  have  had  a 
nest  nearby. 

81 —  2ig.  Gallinula  galeata  (Dicht.). 

Florida  Gallinule. 

Common  resident  on  large  tule-bordered  ponds.  Wherever 
there  are  Coots  this  species  is  likely  to  be  found,  though  its  secretive 
habits  render  it  far  less  conspicuous  than  the  Coot.  Nests  in  tule  beds 
mostly  in  May.  O.  W.  Howard  took  a set  of  nine  slightly  incubated 
eggs  near  Los  Angeles,  April  15  (’90);  W.  B.  Judson  took  a set  of 
nine  considerably  incubated  eggs,  June  19  (’95),  near  Redondo. 
These  represent  the  probable  extent  of  the  breeding  season. 

82 —  221.  Fulica  amcricana  Gmel. 

Americar)  Coot. 

Abundant  resident  on  an\"  permanent  body  of  water,  especially  if 
there  is  a border  of  tides.  During  the  winter  it  is  more  generalL^  dis- 
tributed. and  even  appears  along  irrigation  ditches  and  on  small  reser- 
voirs. These  birds  are  popularly  known  as  “mud-hens,”  and  are 
killed  by  hundreds  on  the  duck  preserves,  as  they  are  considered  a 
nuisance  by  the  hunters.  Breeds  in  the  latter  part  of  April,  and  in  May. 

80 — 222.  Crymophilus  fulicarius  (Linn.). 

Red  Phalorope. 

Specimens  were  taken  b\^  Walter  Richardson  in  the  fall  on  a reser- 
voir near  Pasadena.  A.  M.  Shields  states  it  to  be  occasionally  common 
on  the  sloughs  along  the  coast  during  the  spring  months. 

84 —  22y.  Phalaropus  lobatiis  (Linn.). 

Northero  P^alarope. 

Abundant  migrant.  H.  S.  Swarth  took  it  at  Nigger  Slough, 
June  19  (’97),  and  G.  V.  Morcom  saw  several  in  July  at  the  same 
place.  F.  S.  Daggett  found  them  in  large  flocks  on  the  fresh  water 
ponds  at  Bixby,  Aug.  10  to  Aug.  27  (’96  ).  Thus,  they  occur  nearly 
through  the  summer,  though  none  are  known  to  breed. 

85 —  22j.  Recurzdrostra  americana  Gmel. 

Aroericar)  Avocet. 

P'ornid  in  marslu^  districts  in  var^dng  numbers  throughout  the 
year.  Breeds  commonH  in  the  vicinity  of  the  Alamitos  swamps  and 
Nigger  vSlough.  A.  M.  Shields  took  a set  of  four  fresh  eggs  at  the 
latter  place.  May  27  (’92),  and  W.  B.  Judson  took  a similar  set,  June 
26  ( ’95),  in  the  same  localit3^  Evan  Davis  reports  taking  eggs  near 
vSanta  Ana  from  Ma}’  3 to  July  6.  Full  sets  are  almost  invariably  of  four. 

8') — 226.  Ilimantopiis  mexicanus  (Mull.). 

Black-necked  Stilt. 

Common  in  spring  and  fall  on  the  margins  of  ponds  and  marshes. 
Breeds  locally  in  considerable  numbers.  Itvan  Davis  has  taken  eggs 
at  Alkali  Lakes  near  Santa  Ana  from  the  first  of  May  until  August. 
vSets  were  of  three  and  four  eggs  each. 


jf/arch,  iS'gS. 


Birds  of  the  Slope  of  Los  Angeles  County. 


17' 


(ST — 2JO.  Gallinago  delicata  (Orel). 

Wilson’s  Snipe. 

Abundant  game  bird  in  fall,  winter  and  .spring,  on  grassy  swamps 
and  wet  pastures. 

88 — 2J2.  Macrorhamphus  scolopaceus  (Say). 

LoQg-billed  Dowitcher. 

Common  winter  visitant.  Perhaps  most  often  taken  in  early  spring, 

8b — 2p2.  Tringa  minutilla  Vieill. 

Least  Sandpiper. 

A common  winter  visitant.  Generally  seen  on  margins  of  ponds 
or  sloughs  in  small  .scattering  companie.s. 

90 —  2^ja.  Tringa  alpina  pacifica  (Cones). 

Red-bacK.ed  Sandpiper. 

Common  migrant  and  .scarcely  le.ss  numerous  through  the  winter- 
Usually  observed  in  good-sized  flocks  on  the  .sea  beach  at  the  mouth  of 
a slough  or  “river.”  W.  H.  Wakeley  has  specimens  in  the  bright 
summer  plumage,  taken  at  a pond  near  Pasadena  early  in  Ma\'. 

91 —  Ereunefes  oecidcntalis  Lawr. 

Westerr)  Sandpiper. 

Appears  along  the  coast  in  immen.se  flocks  during  September  and 
April.  G.  F.  Morcom  has  noted  this  species  in  July. 

92 —  2^8.  Calidris  arenaria  (Linn.). 

Sanderling. 

Common  throughout  the  winter  in  flocks  on  the  sandy  .sea 
beaches.  It  remains  common  until  the  middle  of  May,  and  H.  S. 
Swarth  has  taken  specimens  at  Redondo  as  late  as  June  4 (’97). 

93 —  2pg.  Liniosa  fedoa  . 

Marbled  Godwit. 

Noted  occasionally  along  the  coast  during  the  migrations. 

94 —  2g^.  Totanus  nielanoleucus  (Gmel.). 

Greater  Yellow-legs. 

Tolerably  common  winter  visitant.  Generally  flushed  from  the 
margins  of  fresh  water  ponds  and  sloughs.  G.  F.  Morcom  saw  this 
bird  at  Nigger  Slough,  June  19  (’97),  and  H.  S.  Swarth  has  ob.served 
it  in  July.  These  were  probabl}"  stragglers,  as  there  is  no  evidence  of 
their  breeding. 

95 —  2g6a.  Totamis  solitarins  cum  am  omens  Brewst. 

Westero  Solitary  Sandpiper. 

Common  migrant  on  the  interior  lowlands.  W.  B.  Judson  reports 
it  as  numerous  along  the  Los  Angeles  River  in  the  fall.  He  took  the 
earliest  specimen,  Aug.  27  (’95).  H.  S.  Swarth  has  taken  it  in  the 
spring  near  Los  Angeles  from  April  21  to  May  2 (’97). 

96 —  2g8a.  Symphemia  semipalmata  ino^mata  Brewst. 

Western  Willet. 

Common  migrant  and  occasional  through  the  winter  on  the  tide 
marshes  along  the  coast.  I took  specimens  near  San  Pedro,  Sept.  3,  ’97. 


18 


Pasadena  Academy  of  Sciences. 


Publication  II. 


97 —  2fg.  Heteractitis  incanus  (Gmel.). 

WaoderiQg  Tattler. 

Two  speciniLMi'^  were  shot  F.  Stephens  in  the  latter  part  of 
March.  '93  nt  CatTh«ia  Island.  Probably  occurs  in  winter  along  the 
rocky  shores  west  nf  San  Pedro. 

98 —  26 j.  Actitis  inacularia  (Linn.). 

Spotted  Saodpiper. 

Common  migrant  over  most  parts  of  the  count}'.  I have  taken  it 
in  the  vicinity  of  Pasadena  from  April  21  {’97),  until  May  12  (’96), 
during  the  spring  migrations.  F.  S.  Daggett  found  it  common  along 
the  San  Gabriel  Canon  several  miles  back  in  the  mountains,  Ma}’  8, 
(’97).  In  the  fall  it  occurs  most  commonly  along  the  coast;  observed 
at  San  Pedro,  Aug.  31  (’97).  It  was  tolerably  common  at  Catalina 
Island  in  December,  ’97. 

99 —  26^.  Numenius  longirostris  Wils. 

Long-billed  Curlew. 

Common  winter  visitant  on  the  tide  marshes  along  the  coast.  I 
have  seen  solitary  pairs  near  Long  Beach  in  July,  so  possibly  a few 
breed. 

100 —  26j.  Numenius  hudsonicus  Lath. 

Hudsoniao  Curlew. 

Common  spring  and  fall  migrant  in  marshy  places  throughout  the 
lowlands.  A.  M.  Shields  states  this  species  to  be  numerous  at  Alamitos 
and  Ballona  during  the  spring  migrations  from  March  15  to  IMay  i. 

101 —  2yo.  Squatarola  squatarola  (Linn.). 

Black-bellied  Plover. 

Common  spring  and  fall  migrant  along  the  coast.  Uusuall}'  noted 
on  the  beaches  and  mud-fiats  at  the  mouths  of  the  sloughs. 

102 —  2yp  Algialitis  vocifera  (Linn.). 

Killdeer. 

Abundant  resident  on  wet  meadows  and  about  any  fresh  water 
streams  or  ponds.  Sometimes  they  gather  in  large  flocks  in  newh^- 
mown  alfalfa  fields  where  they  are  very  beneficial  in  destroying  arm}'- 
worms  and  other  insects.  A.  M.  Shields  sa}'s  that  the  breeding  season 
extends  ordinarily  from  the  middle  of  March  to  the  last  of  Ma}'.  Evan 
Davis  took  a set  of  four  near  Santa  Ana  on  June  15th. 

103 —  2yq..  Aigialitis  semipalmata  Bonap. 

Semipalmated  Plover. 

Tolerably  common  migrant.  I have  noted  it  onl}"  in  the  fall  along 
the  coast.  Specimens  were  secured  Sept.  7 (’95),  and  Oct.  17  C’94). 
Occurs  in  small  flocks  on  mud  flats  and  beaches. 

104 —  2j8.  Algialitis  nivosa  Cass. 

Snowy  Plover. 

Common  resident  along  the  coast.  Usually  seen  in  winter  in 
small  companies,  but  in  the  breeding  season  the}'  scatter  over  the  sandy 
beaches,  and  are  found  nesting  just  above  the  reach  of  the  surf  often  in 


March,  i8g8.  Birds  of  the  Pacific  Slope  of  Los  Avgclcs  County. 


19 


the  same  vicinity  with  the  I^east  Terns.  Evan  Davis  took  full  sets  of 
three  eggs  each  at  Newport  Beach  on  Ma^^  i (’97),  and  on  the  same 
day  took  two  young.  O.  W.  Howard  took  a set  of  three  slightly  in- 
cubated eggs,  July  7 (’95).  These  indicate  the  extent  of  the  breeding 
season,  the  average  being  about  the  first  of  June.  Full  sets  are  almost 
always  of  three. 

105 — 281.  ^Kgialitis  mo7itana  (Towns.). 

Mountair)  Plover. 

Common  winter  visitant  on  the  interior  fields  and  pasture  lands. 
At  times  large  numbers  are  offered  in  the  Eos  Angeles  game  markets. 

10b — 2Sp.  Arenaria  melaiiocephala  (Vig.). 

BlacK,  Turnstone. 

Two  immature  specimens  were  taken  by  F.  Stephens  in  the  latter 
part  of  March,  ’93,  on  Catalina  Island.  I noted  it  in  the  same  localit}" 
toward  the  last  of  December,  ’97.  J.  W.  Daniel,  Jr.,  writes  me  that  he 
took  a specimen  at  Redondo  Beach,  June  14,  ’96. 

107 —  2g2a.  Oreortyx  pictiis  plumiferus  (Gould). 

Plunged  Partridge. 

Common  resident  in  the  mountainous  districts  from  the  highest 
summits  to  the  foothills.  Most  numerous  in  the  heavy  growth  of 
scrub  oak  and  manzanita  which  covers  the  southern  slopes  of  the 
higher  mountains.  The  “Mountain  Quail,”  as  it  is  locally  termed,  is 
not  easily  flushed  and  as  it  generally  remains  on  the  steep  hill-sides  in 
the  almost  impenetrable  brush,  it  does  not  afford  much  sport  to  hunters. 
In  time  of  heavy  snow  in  the  mountains,  these  birds  appear  in  consid- 
erable numbers  in  the  lower  foothills,  and  individuals  have  even  been 
seen  in  Pasadena,  three  miles  from  the  base  of  the  mountains.  The 
breeding  season  begins  in  April.  H.  Eeland  found  a nest  in  the  Einda 
Vista  hills  west  of  Pasadena,  May  7,  ’97.  It  contained  ten  eggs  of  the 
Plumed  Partridge  and  four  eggs  of  the  Valle}'  Partridge;  all  were  fresh. 
The  Plumed  Partridge  was  flushed  from  the  nest.  I have  taken  young 
apparently  but  a day  or  two  old,  on  Pine  Flats,  as  late  as  July  15. 

108 —  2gpa.  Callipepla  californica  vallicola  Ridgw. 

Valley  Partridge. 

Abundant  resident  throughout  the  county  except  the  higher 
mountains  and  marsh  lands.  The  range  of  this  species  and  the  Plumed 
Partridge  overlaps  in  the  foothill  regions,  but  the  two  species  never 
flock  together.  The  Valley  “Quail”  is  game  bird  of  Southern 
California.  It  is  particularly  abundant  in  the  vicinity  of  vineyards, 
and  is  said  to  do  considerable  damage  to  the  grape  crop.  The  breed- 
ing season  begins  in  April  and  extends  nearly  through  the  summer. 
H.  Robertson  took  a set  of  nine  fresh  eggs  near  Eos  Angeles,  Aug.  9, 
’97.  Full  sets  vary  from  9 to  23  eggs,  usually  15  to  17. 

109 —  2gy.  Callipepla  gambclii  ( Gambel) . 

Gambers  Partridge. 

H.  S.  Swarth  took  an  adult  male  near  Eos  Angeles,  Sept.  16,  ’96. 
This  species  occurs  regularly  not  more  than  fifty  miles  northward  and  but 
a little  further  to  the  eastward,  so  the  probabilities  are  that  this  bird 


20 


Pasadena  Academy  of  Sciences. 


Publication  II. 


was  a straggler.  The  plumage  showed  no  marks  of  its  having  been  in 
confinement. 

110 —  JI2.  Columba  fasciata  Say. 

Bar)d-tailed  PigeoQ. 

Irregular  resident.  In  some  winters  it  appears  in  flocks  of  hun- 
dreds ill  the  oak  regions  on  the  mountains  and  along  the  foothills.  Its 
presence  or  absence  seems  to  be  governed  by  the  crop  of  acorns,  here 
and  elsewhere.  In  the  spring  of  ’95  a flock  remained  at  Oak  Knoll, 
south  of  Pasadena,  until  the  middle  of  June.  Breeds  sparinglj^  on  the 
higher  mountains.  C.  E.  Groesbeck  found  a nest  on  Mt.  Wilson,  Jul}^ 
5,  ’94.  It  was  on  a horizontal  oak  branch  extending  out  over  a deep 
gorge,  and  contained  a single  squab  about  a week  old.  W.  B.  Judson 
found  a nest  on  Mt.  Wilson,  May  23,  ’97.  It  contained  but  one  egg, 
considerably  incubated. 

111 —  j/6.  Zenaidura  macroura  (Linn.). 

Mourning  Dove. 

Abundant  resident  throughout  the  lowlands,  and  less  common  in 
summer  up  to  the  summits  of  the  mountains.  Generali}"  seen  in  pairs 
or  small  flocks  in  weed  patches  and  stubble  fields  or  at  watering  places. 
In  the  vicinity  of  Pasadena  the  Doves  nearly  all  disappear  in  winter, 
but  are  then  found  in  large  flocks  in  the  lower  country.  Breeding  sea- 
son quite  extensive:  C.  E.  Groesbeck  took  a set  of  two  fresh  eggs, 

March  14  (’96);  and  H.  S.  Swarth  found  a set  of  eggs  just  hatching. 
Sept.  15  (’97). 

112 —  Pseudogryphus  californianus  (Shaw). 

CaliforQia  Vulture. 

Tolerably  common  resident  in  the  mountainous  parts  of  the  county. 
Hardly  a day  passes  in  the  vicinity  of  Mt.  Wilson  without  one  or  more 
being  seen.  They  undoubtedly  breed  in  one  of  the  precipitous  canons 
near  by.  The  “Condors”  are  also  frequently  seen  in  the  Santa  Mon- 
ica and  Simi  Mountains.  In  the  latter  locality  I once  saw  seven  at  one 
time  circling  overhead.  The  Condor  is  not  by  any  means  becoming 
extinct  in  this  part  of  the  State,  and  if  they  continue  to  be  as  shy  as 
now,  there  is  not  much  likelihood  of  their  extermination  very  soon. 

113—  Cathartes  aura  (Einn.). 

Turkey  Vulture. 

Abundant  resident.  Less  common  in  the  middle  of  winter.  Breeds 
in  the  foothills  from  the  latter  part  of  March  to  the  last  of  April.  Ev"an 
Davis  writes  that  in  the  vicinity  of  Orange  he  does  not  find  eggs  until 
May.  He  took  sets  on  the  8th  and  19th  of  that  month.  Two  eggs 
constitute  a full  set. 

114 —  328.  Elanus  leucurus  (Vieill.). 

WEite-tailed  Kite. 

Tolerably  common  resident  in  the  lowlands.  Xests  in  the  willow 
region  in  March  and  April.  A.  M.  Shields  has  taken  sets  in  the 
neighborhood  of  Alamitos  as  follows:  Set  5 fresh,  April  4,  ’96;  set  5 

fresh,  April  ii,  ’96;  nest  containing  two  young  one-half  grown  and 
two  addled  eggs,  April  ii,  ’96;  incomplete  set  of  two  fresh  eggs, 
probably  a second  set  laid  by  the  pair  of  birds  first  robbed.  May  3,  ’96. 


March,  iSgS.  Birds  of  the  Pacific  Slope  of  Los  Angeles  County. 


21 


115 —  -JJ/.  Circus  hiidsonius  (Linn.). 

Marsh  HawL- 

Very  common  in  the  lowlands,  especially  in  the  vicinity  of 
swamps  and  wet  pastures.  Resident  throughout  the  year,  but  some- 
what more  numerous  in  winter.  Breeds  commonly  in  May,  laying 
four  or  five  eggs. 

116 —  JJ2.  Accipitcr  velox  (Wils. ). 

SharQ-sl^inned  liawK.- 

Common  in  fall  and  winter  throughout  the  count}".  Food,  almost 
entirely  composed  of  small  birds.  This  hawk  is  to  a certain  extent 
nocturnal  in  habits.  I have  shot  specimens  long  after  dark  as  they 
flew  overhead  outlined  against  the  clear  sky.  They  sometimes  create 
quite  a disturbance  after  dusk,  stealthily  flitting  through  trees  where 
linnets  are  roosting,  and  without  doubt  preying  on  them.  I have  seen 
Sharp-shinned  Hawks  in  the  mountains  in  every  month  of  spring  and 
summer,  so  a few  probably  breed. 

117 —  33S.  Accipiter  cooper ii  (Bonap. ). 

Cooper’s  liawk. 

Tolerably  common  resident  along  the  foothills.  Breeds  late  in 
April.  Ed.  Simmons  took  sets  of  four  eggs  each,  slightly  incubated, 
on  April  28,  ’95,  and  x\pril  26,  ’96.  Both  of  these  were  in  canons 
north  of  Pasadena. 

113 — 337b.  Buteo  borealis  caluriis  (Cass.). 

Western)  Red-tail. 

This  hawk  is  generally  of  common  occurrence  throughout  the 
county.  I saw  adults  and  young  in  July,  ’97,  on  Mt.  Waterman 
(8500  feet).  The  breeding  season  is  at  its  height  the  last  week  in 
March.  Extreme  dates:  Set  of  fresh  eggs  taken  by  Evan  Davis  near 

Orange,  Feb.  26  (’97);  set  2,  incubation  advanced,  taken  in  San  Fer- 
nando Valley,  April  30  (’92),  by  H.  A.  Gaylord.  Full  sets  are  gen- 
erally of  two  or  three,  but  M.  L.  Wicks,  Jr.,  took  a set  of  four  eggs. 
This  hawk,  in  common  with  other  species,  is  popularly  known  as  Hen- 
hawk  or  Chickenhawk,  and  is  relentlessly  killed  whenever  chance  is 
offered.  I think  the  great  increase  in  the  numbers  of  ground  squirrels 
in  some  parts  of  the  county  is  due  in  part  to  the  destruction  of  hawks 
and  owls,  which  were  formerly  far  more  numerous  than  now. 

119 —  339b.  Buteo  lineaius  elegaus  (Cass.). 

Red-bellied  Hawk. 

Tolerably  common  in  the  lower  parts  of  the  county,  especially  in 
the  oak  and  willow  regions.  Flxtent  of  breeding  season,  indicated  by 
the  following  instances:  Set  4,  slightly  incubated,  taken  at  El  Monte, 

March  15  (’97),  by  C.  E.  Groesbeck;  set  2,  incubation  begun,  taken 
at  Compton,  May  22  ( ’92  ),  also  by  C.  E.  Groesbeck.  Sets  are  of  two 
to  five  eggs. 

120 —  3p2.  Buteo  swainsoni  Bonap. 

SwainsoQ’s  Hawk;. 

As  far  as  I can  learn  this  is  only  a spring  and  summer  visitant. 
On  windy  days,  in  late  March  and  early  April,  large  numbers  are  some- 


Pasadena  Academy  of  Sciences. 


Publication  II. 


times  seen  flying  northwestward  in  migration,  and  similarly  in  the  lat- 
ter part  of  September  long,  straggling  flocks  are  observed  at  a mod- 
erate height,  fl3dng  in  a southeasterh^  direction.  This  species  appar- 
enth’  breeds  in  considerable  numbers,  but  is  confined  to  the  valleys  and 
lowlands.  The  usual  time  of  egg-laying  is  in  the  latter  part  of  April 
and  early  Ma}".  L.  Chambers  reports  taking  fresh  eggs  as  late  as  June 
I,  near  Santa  Monica.  Sets  are  of  two  or  three. 

1 21 —  34-8.  A rchibiiteo  ferrngineiis  ( Ticht. ) . 

perrugioous  Rougp-lcg. 

Tolerably  common  for  a hawk,  appearing  mostly  in  the  fall.  A 
few  undoubtedly  breed,  though  I have  failed  to  learn  of  any  authentic 
nesting  data. 

122 —  349.  Aquila  cJirysdetos  (Tinn.). 

Golden  Eagle. 

Tolerably  common  in  the  mountainous  parts  of  the  county.  Nests 
are  built  in  tall  fir  trees  and  are  usually  inaccessible;  at  least  no  sets 
have  been  taken  in  this  count}^  to  my  knowledge.  Full-fledged  3^oung 
appear  in  July. 

123 —  352.  Halicsetus  leucocephaliis  (Linn.). 

Bald  Eagle. 

Tolerably  common  in  certain  localities  along  the  coast,  and  of  cas- 
ual occurrenc  inland  as  far  as  Pasadena.  L.  Chambers  took  a set  of 
two  considerably  incubated  eggs  near  Santa  Monica,  March  13,  ’97. 
The  nest  was  about  forty  feet  above  the  ground,  in  a large  sycamore 
near  the  beach.  Evan  Davis  secured  a set  of  two  near  Santa  Ana, 
:\Iarch  5,  ’95. 

124 —  333.  Falco  mexicajiiis  Schleg. 

Prairie  Falcon. 

Tolerably  common  in  fall  and  winter  in  the  foothill  and  mesa 
regions. 

12-5 — 336.  Falco  peregrinus  anaium  (Bonap.). 

DucK  Hawk. 

Of  occasional  occurrence  along  the  coast  and  over  the  lowlands 
further  inland.  A pair  is  said  to  have  formerly  nested  in  one  of  the 
caves  in  Eagle  Rock,  near  Pasadena. 

120 — 33y.  Falco  columbarius  Linn. 

Pigeon  Havyk. 

Tolerably  common  during  fall  and  winter  in  the  foothill  and  mesa 
regions. 

127 — 360a.  Falco  sparverius  dcserticohis  Mearns. 

Desert  Sparrow  HawK- 

Abundant  throughout  the  county,  from  the  coast  to  the  highest 
mountains.  In  the  lowlands  the  Sparrow  Hawk  is  most  frequently 
noticed  perched  on  telegraph  poles  along  the  railroads,  or  hovering 
over  the  fields  on  the  lookout  for  its  prey.  It  feeds  principal!}"  on  in- 
sects, grasshoppers  in  particular.,  and  is  thus  beneficial  to  the  farmer, 
and  in  this  vicinity  is  seldom  persecuted  as  are  the  larger  hawks. 


March,  i8gS.  Birds  of  the  Pacijl,c  Slope  of  Los  Angeles  County. 


Breeds  commonly  wherever  proper  nesting  sites  are  to  be  found.  Eggs 
usually  laid  in  April,  though  individual  pairs  often  nest  earlier,  or  if 
the  first  set  is  destroyed,  much  later;  set  5,  incubation  slight,  taken  by 
me  near  Pasudena,  March  18  (’93);  set  5,  incubation  medium,  taken 
by  E.  Parker  near  Claremont,  June  27  (’97).  Sets  are  of  three  to  six 
eggs,  generally  four  or  five. 

128 —  3^4-.  Pajidion  haliaetus  carolinensis  (Ginel.). 

American  Osprey. 

Of  occasional  occurrence  along  the  coast,  mostly  in  fall  and  spring. 
None  nest  within  the  county  at  present,  except  on  the  Islands,  where 
they  breed  abundantly.  M.  L.  Wicks,  Jr.,  tells  me  that  a pair  formerly 
had  a nest  on  a rock  in  the  surf  near  Santa  Monica. 

129 —  363.  Strix  pralincola  Bonap. 

flmerican  Barn  Owl. 

This  is  probably  our  best  known  owl,  making  its  home  in  barn 
lofts,  church  towers  and  garrets.  It  is  popularly  known  as  Golden 
Owl  and  Monkey-faced  Owl.  Breeds  commonl}"  in  March  and  April, 
in  the  oak  regions,  as  well  as  in  buildings  and  holes  in  banks.  C.  E. 
Groesbeck  found  a nest  containing  half-grown  young,  on  PAb.  ii  (’97), 
and  on  the  same  date  took  a set  of  six  slightly  incubated  eggs;  H.  Ee- 
land  took  a set  of  five  fresh  eggs  on  June  5 (97)-  Both  were  near 
Pasadena. 

130 —  ^66.  Asio  wilsonianus  (Less.). 

Aroerican  Long-eared  Owl. 

Common  resident  in  the  willow  regions  of  the  lowlands.  Eggs 
are  most  generally  laid  in  April.  Extremes:  C.  E.  Groesbeck  took  a 
set  of  four  eggs  almost  ready  to  hatch,  near  El  Monte,  March  15  (’97). 
R.  Arnold  took  a set  of  four  fresh  eggs  in  San  Fernando  Valle}", 
May  I (’92), 

131 —  36^.  Asio  accipitrmiis  (Pall.). 

Short-eared  Owl. 

Apparently  a tolerably  common  winter  visitant.  Observed  only 
in  wet  meadows  in  the  lowlands.  On  November  7 (’96),  I flushed  a 
flock  of  five  from  an  alfalfa  field  near  El  Monte,  and  secured  two. 
Feb.  8 (’93)  is  the  latest  authentic  record  in  the  spring.  This  owl  has 
recently  been  reported  as  nesting  in  this  county,  but  I consider  the 
identity  questionable. 

132 —  3^g.  Syrnijtm  occidentale  Xantus. 

Spotted  Owl. 

Apparently  a resident,  though  in  small  numbers,  in  the  higher 
mountains.  Several  specimens  have  been  taken  in  the  canons  north  of 
Pasadena  in  winter,  and  I took  an  adult  male  in  moulting  plumage  in 
the  same  vicinity,  Aug.  ro  (’94).  F.  J.  Illingworth  secured  full-fledged 
young  in  a canon  near  Claremont,  July  4 (’94),  and  has  seen  adults  in 
the  same  place  on  several  occasions  since. 

133 —  373c.  Megascops  asio  bendirei  (Brewst.). 

California  Screech  Owl. 

Common  resident  in  the  oak  regions  from  the  lowlands  to  5000 


24 


Pasadoia  Academy  of  Sciences. 


Ptiblieatton  II. 


feet  elevation  in  the  mountains.  Breeds  principally  in  April.  Incom- 
plete set  of  2 fresh  eggs,  taken  March  14  ( ’96)  by  C.  E.  Groesbeck;  set 
3,  incubation  advanced,  taken  by  myself  June  5 (’95),  both  near  Pasa- 
dena. Sets  are  ordinarily  of  3 to  5 eggs,  but  PvVan  Davis  reports  as 
iiiaiu-  as  8 iu  a .set. 

134 —  375c.  Bubo  idrginianus  pacificus  Cass. 

Pacific  Horoed  Owl. 

Tolerabh^  common  resident  in  the  mesa  and  foot-hill  regions,  but 
becoming  scarcer  every  year.  Breeds  in  February  and  March.  A.  M. 
Shields  took  a .set  of  three  fresh  eggs  in  San  Fernando  valley,  Feb.  15, 
(’95).  A.  I.  McCormick  found  a nest  April  4 (’97),  containing  two 
yonng  just  hatched  and  one  addled  egg.  Full  sets  are  of  two  or  three, 
usually  the  latter  number. 

135 —  jy8.  Speofyto  cunicularia  hypogcea  (Bonap.). 

BurrowiQg  Owl. 

Abundant  resident  on  the  lowlands  and  mesas.  On  the  fields 
around  Bixby  and  South  Clearwater,  this  bird  is  particularly  numer- 
ous. Nesting  begins  early  in  April.  Latest  set,  4 fresh,  taken  by  me 
near  Pasadena,  June  3 (’93).  Sets  6 to  ii,  usually  9. 

13() — 37 p.  Glaucidium  gnoma  Wagl. 

Pygmy  Owl. 

Quite  a number  of  specimens  have  been  taken  in  midwinter  in  the 
mountains  north  of  Pasadena.  They  undoubtedly  breed  in  the  higher 
ranges,  and  are  driven  to  lower  altitudes  by  the  winter  storm.s. 

137 —  383.  Geococcyx  calif oryiiayi us  ( Less. ) . 

Road-runner. 

Common  resident  of  the  brush  and  cactus-covered  washes  and 
mesas,  though  scarcer  now  than  formerly.  Nests  principally  toward 
the  latter  part  of  March,  though  I have  taken  fresh  eggs  in  the  vicinity 
of  Pasadena  from  March  12  (’92)  until  June  12  (’93).  There  is  appar- 
ently no  such  thing  as  a full  set  of  Road-runners’  eggs,  as  they  are  laid 
at  intervals  of  several  days,  and  incubation  begins  with  the  first  egg. 
Thus  I have  found  fresh  and  variously  incubated  eggs  in  the  same  nest 
with  good-sized  young.  The  largest  number  of  eggs  I have  ever  found 
in  a nest  at  one  time  was  seven. 

138 —  387a.  Coccyzus  amcricanus  occidentalis  Ridgw. 

California  Cuckoo. 

Tolerably  common  summer  resident  in  the  willow  regions  of  the 
lowlands.  This  bird,  shy  and  of  .secretive  habits,  I have  found  easily 
overlooked.  If  carefully  watched  for,  it  will  probabh^  be  found  coin- 
common  where  it  is  now  .seldom  or  not  at  all  noticed.  Breeds  late.  M. 
L.  Wicks,  jr.,  took  a set  of  four  slightly  incubated  eggs,  a few  miles 
east  of  Santa  Monica,  June  7,  ’89. 

139 —  3go.  Ccrylc  alcyon  (Linn.). 

Belted  Kingfisher. 

Occurs  in  considerable  numbers  during  the  migrations  in  suitable 
localities  from  the  coast  to  the  foothills,  and  a few  are  found  at  all  sea- 


March  y i8gS.  Birds  of  the  Pacific  Slope  of  Los  Angeles  County. 


sons  of  the  year.  In  the  harbor  of  San  Pedro  they  are  in  spring  and 
fall  very  conspicuous,  flying  over  the  water  or  perching  on  the  rig- 
ging of  vessels. 

140 —  393d.  Dryobales  villosus  Jiyloscopiis  (Cab. ). 

Cabanis’s  WoodpecK^r. 

Locally  common  in  wooded  regions  from  the  lowlands  to  the 
higher  mountains.  In  severe  winters  they  are  sometimes  quite  numer- 
ous in  the  oak  regions.  Although  this  woodpecker  breeds  in  mod- 
erate numbers,  but  one  set  has  been  taken.  G.  F.  Morcom  took  a set 
of  three  slightly  incubated  eggs,  May  2,  ’97,  at  Cerritos,  near  Comp- 
ton. On  the  same  day  another  nest  was  found,  containing  one  fresh 
egg.  I have  found  nests  in  the  latter  part  of  June  containing  large 
young. 

141 —  39pa.  Dryobales  pubescens  gairdnerii  (Aud.). 

Gairdner’s  Woodpecker. 

Not  so  common  as  Cabanis’s  Woodpecker,  but  found  in  about  the 
same  localities.  I have  never  seen  it  above  4000  feet  in  the  mountains. 
Sets  have  been  taken  in  the  willow  regions  in  May. 

142 —  39^.  Dryobales  yiuttallii  (Gamb.). 

Nuttall’s  Woodpecker. 

Common  in  any  wooded  localit}^  from  the  lowlands  up  to  5000 
feet  in  the  mountains.  Nests  in  considerable  numbers  in  the  willow 
regions.  I took  a set  of  three  slightl}^  incubated  eggs,  May  19  (’94); 
and  R.  Arnold  reports  a set  of -three,  incubation  begun,  taken  June  6 
(’96).  These  indicate  the  approximate  extent  of  the  breeding  season. 

143 —  399.  Xenopicus  albolarvatus  (Cass.). 

White-Leaded  Woodpecker. 

A common  resident  of  the  pine  regions  on  the  higher  ranges  from 
5000  feet  to  their  summits.  I have  taken  full-fledged  young  on  Pine 
Flats  as  early  as  July  i.  • 

144 —  po2a.  Sphyrapicus  varius  niichalis  Baird. 

Red-Qaped  Sapsucker. 

Of  occasional  occurrence  along  the  foothills  in  midwinter.  vSpec- 
imens  taken  in  the  vicinity  of  Pasadena  by  H.  A.  Gaylord  and  myself, 
Dec.  26  (’95),  and  Feb.  13  (’97). 

145 —  p.03.  Sphyrapicus  ruber  (Gmel.). 

Red-breasted  Sapsucker. 

More  or  less  common  winter  visitant  in  wooded  districts.  Often- 
est  noticed,  even  along  the  noisy  city  streets,  in  pepper  trees,  the  sap 
of  which  tlii^  bird  seems  to  particularly  like.  I have  noted  this 
woodpecker  in  Pasadena  from  Oct.  9 (’95)  to  March  21  (’97). 

146 —  cfop.  Sphyrapicus  thyroideus  (Cass.). 

Williamson’s  SapsucKer. 

Occurs  irregularly  in  winter  in  the  coniferous  timber  on  the 
mountains.  So  far,  the  records  are  confined  to  the  months  of  October, 
November  and  December.  Oct.  31  and  Nov.  i,  ’97,  as  many  as  a 
dozen  were  noted  on  Mt.  Wilson. 


Pasadena  Acadciny^of  Sciences. 


Publication  IP 


2H 


147 —  Melanerpes  formicivorus  bairdi  Ridgw. 

Califorr)iao  WoodpecKer- 

Abundant  resident  in  the  oak  regions,  and  in  much  less  numbers 
in  the  pines  and  firs  np  to  6000  feet  in  the  mountains.  Breeds  in  April 
and  May;  Earliest  set,  five  fresh  eggs,  taken  April  5 (’92),  by  R. 
Arnold  in  San  Fernando  Valley.  Last  set,  four  fresh,  June  3 (’96), 
near  Pasadena  by  H.  Leland.  Sets  are  of  four  to  eight  eggs. 

148 —  4.08.  Melanerpes  torquatus  (Wils.). 

Lewis’s  WoodpecKer. 

Common  winter  visitant  in  the  oak  regions  and  occasionally  on 
the  mountains  among  the  firs.  Noted  in  the  vicinity  of  Pasadena  by 
F.  S.  Daggett  as  early  as  Sept.  30  (’96),  and  in  the  spring  I have  seen 
it  as  late  as  May  4 (’95). 

149 —  qi2.  Colaptes  auratus  (Linn.). 

Flicker. 

An  adult  male  of  this  eastern  species  was  taken  by  K.  C.  Thnrber 
at  Alhambra,  Feb  7,  ’90, 

150 —  qij.  Colaptes  cafer  (Gmel.). 

Red-sl^afted  flicker. 

Common  throughout  the  year  in  wooded  localities,  but  most  gen- 
erally distributed  and  much  more  abundant  in  winter.  Breeds  from 
the  willow  regions  in  the  lowlands  up  to  6000  feet  in  the  mountain.s. 
Eggs  usually  laid  in  May.  Earliest  set,  five  fresh,  taken  April  16 
(’96),  in  San  Fernando  Valley  by  C.  E.  Groesbeck;  last  set,  four 
slightly  incubated,  taken  near  Pasadena,  June  15  (’94),  by  H.  A.  Gay- 
lord. Several  “hybrid”  Flickers  have  been  taken  in  the  county. 

151 —  qiSb.  Phalcsnoptilits  nuttallii  californicus  Ridgw. 

DusKy  Poor-will. 

Common  in  spring,  summer  and  fall  in  the  foothill  regions,  and 
occasional  up  to  6000  feet  on  brushy  slopes  in  the  mountains.  During 
the  spring  and  fall  migrations  the  note  of  this  bird  is  frequently  heard 
at  night  far  out  on  the  mesas  and  uplands.  E.  Simmons,  who  resides 
at  the  base  of  the  mountains  north  of  Pasadena,  states  that  he  hears 
this  bird  during  every  month  of  the  year,  though  from  Dec.  15  to  Jan. 
20  last  year  he  heard  none,  and  H.  S.  Svvarth  reports  seeing  a single 
individual  during  the  last  of  December  and  early  part  of  January,  thus 
indicating  that  the  Poor-will  may  remain  throughout  the  year.  The 
extent  of  the  breeding  .sea.son  is  shown  by  the  following  sets  of  two 
eggs  each,  taken  by  E.  Simmons  near  North  Pasadena:  Set,  fresh, 

April  21  (’95);  set,  incubation  advanced,  June  14  (’93). 

152 —  q.20.  Chordeiles  virginianus  (Gmel.). 

Nigfthawk. 

Rare  migrant.  I took  a male  and  saw  another,  probably  the  fe- 
male, in  the  evening  of  Oct.  27,  ’96.  The  Nighthawk  occurring  in 
summer  in  the  Sierras  and  northward  through  Oregon  and  Washing- 
ton, is  apparently  identical  with  this  common  eastern  species. 


March,  iSpS.  Birds  of  the  Pacific  Slope  of  Los  Angeles  County. 


21 


153 —  421.  Chordeiles  acutipemiis  texoisis  (Lawr.). 

Texao  Nightl^awk. 

Abundant  summer  resident,  principally  of  the  mesas  and  dry 
washes.  First  spring  arrival  noted  by  H.  A.  Gaylord,  March  21  (’96). 
Last  individual  in  the  fall,  seen  by  me,  Sept.  4 (’94).  Breeds  mainly 
in  May.  First  set,  taken  by  me  near  Pasadena,  two  fresh,  April  21 
(’97);  latest  set,  two  slightly  incubated,  taken  July  ii  (’95),  by  H.  S. 
Swarth  in  San  Fernando  Valley. 

154 —  422.  Cypseloides  7iiger  borealis  {liLeimexly). 

Black  Swift. 

Rare  migrant.  I have  seen  it  on  two  occasions  toward  the  last  of 
August  flying  southeast  over  Pasadena.  W.  H.  Wakeley  has  a spec- 
imen mounted  which  was  shot  near  Pasadena  late  in  summer  several 
years  ago. 

155 —  424.  Chcetura  vauxii  (Towns.). 

Vaux’s  Swift. 

Common  migrant.  Generally  seen  flying  in  scattered  flocks  over 
the  mesas  or  along  the  bases  of  the  mountains.  Sometimes  large  com- 
panies tarry  about  reservoirs  or  ponds.  According  to  my  field  notes 
the  migrations  occur  as  follows:  In  spring,  April  22  (’96)  to  Maj^  2 

(’96);  and  in  fall.  Sept.  3 (’95)  to  Oct.  13  (’94). 

15fl — 42y.  A'eroyiautes  melanoleucus  (Baird). 

White-throated  Swift. 

Common  in  mountain  regions  in  summer,  and  occasionally  seen 
during  the  winter  over  the  lowlands  and  mesas.  Nests  in  crevices  of 
the  rock  in  the  most  inaccessible  cliffs.  E.  Simmons  took  a set  of  two 
eggs,  about  one-third  incubated,  in  a mountain  canon  north  of  Pasa- 
dena, May  30,  ’9?.  H.  G.  Rising  took  a :-et  of  two  fresh  eggs  in  the 
Santa  Monica  Mountains,  June  16,  ’97. 

157 — 42g.  Trochilus  alexandri  Bourc.  & Mills. 

Black-chinned  Humnningbird. 

Summer  resident  from  the  lowlands  to  the  summit  of  the  moun- 
tains, but  most  abundant  in  the  foothill  regions,  where  it  breeds  in  the 
canons  in  some  years  by  the  thousands.  Nests  are  generally  situated 
near  a stream,  and  are  found  mostly  after  the  middle  of  May.  I have 
taken  fresh  eggs  by  April  29  (’95),  which  I consider  very  early  for  this 
species,  and  as  late  as  July  8 (’95);  I found  a nest  containing  two  half- 
grown  young  near  Pasadena,  Aug.  24  (’95),  which  of  course  is  very 
late.  The  abundance  of  the  Hummingbirds  is  very  variable,  depend- 
ing on  the  growth  of  flowering  plants.  Usuall}^  after  a wet  winter 
they  are  far  more  numerous  than  after  a dry  one.  The  Black-chinned 
Hummingbird  arrives  in  the  vicinity  of  Pasadena  from  the  middle  of 
April  to  the  first  week  in  May,  and  the  majority  disappear  by  the  last 
of  July.  Extreme  records  from  my  note-book,  April  3 (’95)  and 
Sept  3 (’95).  By  the  first  of  July,  when  the  vegetation  of  the  foot- 
hills becomes  dry,  and  flowers  cease  10  bloom,  the  Hummingbirds  are 
found  in  countless  thousands  at  higher  elevations  (6000  to  8500  feet), 
where  summer  is  just  dawning. 


2'8 


Pasadena  Academy  of  Sciences. 


Publication  //. 


158 —  4 JO.  Calypte  costce  (Bourc.)- 

Costa’s  liummiogbird. 

Common  summer  resident  in  the  mesa  and  foothill  regions,  though 
ranging  from  the  lowlands  to  the  higher  mountains  during  migration. 
Arrives  about  the  middle  of  April.  My  earliest  and  latest  records  are, 
respectively.  March  21  (’96)  and  Sept.  26  (’96).  Nests  are,  as  a rule, 
found  out  ill  the  barren  washes  or  on  the  dry  hill-sides,  far  from  water. 
The  breeding  .season  extends  through  May  and  the  early  part  of  June. 
My  earliest  set  was  of  two  fre.sh  eggs,  taken  near  Pa.sadena,  April  21 
(’97),  and  the  latest  set,  of  two  slightly  incubated  eggs,  taken  June 
28  C’94),  in  the  same  locality. 

159 —  4JI.  Calypte  anna  (Less.). 

AQQa’s  HurT)iT)ingbird. 

Common  throughout  the  year  from  the  lowlands  to  the  foothill  re- 
gions, and  in  July  up  to  8500  feet  in  the  mountains.  Like  all  the 
hummingbirds  this  species  follows  the  flowers,  and  its  local  presence  or 
absence  is  governed  by  their  abundance  or  scarcity.  Thus,  in  August 
and  September  hundreds  of  Anna’s  Hummers  are  to  be  found  over  the 
stubble  fields  and  sunflower  patches,  attracted  by  the  flowers  of  the 
“tar-weed.”  During  the  winter  months  they  are  found  in  profusion 
about  the  blos.soming  eucalyptus  trees.  In  January  and  February, 
when  the  weather  is  mild,  they  appear  high  on  the  mountain  sides 
among  the  flowering  manzanitas;  and  in  March  and  April,  in  the  blos- 
soming orange  groves  in  the  valley,  and  about  the  currant  bushes  on 
the  hill-sides.  The  Anna’s  Hummingbird  is  our  only  species  breeding 
before  the  last  of  April.  It  nests  numerously  through  February  and 
March,  and  sets  may  be  looked  for  from  January  to  May.  A.  I.  Mc- 
Cormick took  a set  of  two  eggs,  considerably  incubated,  on  Dec.  21 
(’95) ; and  the  same  observer  noted  a nest  and  eggs  in  the  middle  of 
July  (’97);  both  near  Los  Angeles. 

160 —  4JJ.  Selasphorns  rufus  (Gmel.). 

Rufous  bjummingbird. 

Very  abundant,  especially  in  the  blossoming  orange  groves,  during 
the  spring  migrations  in  April.  Apparently  entirely  absent  in  mid- 
winter. I have  noted  it  at  greater  or  less  intervals  from  Feb.  20  (’96) 
till  Oct.  5 (’97),  during  which  time  this  hummer  is  evidently  found 
somewhere  in  the  county  in  varying  numbers.  Although  the  prob- 
abilities are  that  a few  breed  in  the  higher  mountains  where  I have 
taken  adults  and  juveniles  in  July,  I know  of  no  authentic  nesting 
records,  notwithstanding  that  many  eggs  purporting  to  be  of  this  spe- 
cies have  been  sent  from  this  county.  I have  never  noted  this  hum- 
mer, from  April  29  until  August  16,  below  5000  feet,  and  it  is  doubt- 
ful if  any  breed  south  of  the  San  Gabriel  ranges. 

161 —  4.J4.  Selasphorns  alleni  Hensh. 

Alleo’s  Hummiogbird. 

A tolerably  common  spring  migrant,  occurring  along  with  the 
Rufous  Hummer  in  the  latter  part  of  March  and  April. 

162 —  4j6.  Stellula  calliope  Gould. 

Calliope  Hummir^gbird. 

Common  summer  resident  above  5000  feet  in  the  mountains.  I 


March,  i8g8.  Birds  oj  the  Paci/ic  Slope  of  Los  Angeles  County. 


29 


took  juveniles  near  Mt.  Waterman  on  July  14.  ’97.  A few  have  been 
taken  in  April  and  early  May,  evidently  in  migration,  on  the  lowlands 
and  mesas,  usually  near  the  base  of  the  mountains. 

163 —  44.4.  Tyrannns  lyramius  (Ivinn.). 

KiQgbird. 

Only  one  record:  An  immature  male  taken  l)y  W.  B.  Judson  at 

Santa  Monica,  Ang.  31,  ’95. 

164 —  44y.  Tyra^imis  verticalis  Say. 

Arkansas  Kingbird. 

Abundant  in  summer  throughout  the  lowlands  and  mesas.  My 
earliest  and  latest  records  are,  respectively,  March  17  ( ’96)  and  Sept. 
14  (’97)-  Breeds  mainly  toward  the  last  of  May,  in  the  vicinit3^  of 
ranches  and  along  country  roads.  Earliest  set,  of  three  fresh  eggs, 
taken  May  7 (’93),  by  H.  A.  Gaylord  in  San  Fernando  Valley. 
Latest  set,  of  three  eggs,  incubation  about  one-half,  taken  by  me  June 
28  (’92)  near  Pasadena.  Full  sets  in  this  vicinity  consist  of  three  to 
seven  eggs,  usuall}^  four  or  five. 

165 —  448.  Tyranmis  vociferans  Swains. 

Cassin’s  Kingbird. 

Common  in  winter  in  the  lower  parts  of  the  county.  I have  noted 
it  in  the  vicinity  of  Pasadena  from  Sept.  16  (’95)  until  May  i (’97). 
A few  remain  through  the  summer  and  probably  breed  in  the  western 
part  of  the  county.  H.  Robertson  saw  a pair  west  of  Los  Angeles, 
June  9 (’97),  which  he  has  no  doubt  had  a nest  near  by.  I found  sev- 
eral nests  containing  young  in  July  (’93)  in  Simi  Valley,  just  over  the 
line  in  Ventura  County,  and  I saw  adults  on  this  side  at  Chatsworth 
Park. 

166 —  4^4.  Myiarchus  cinerascens  fLawr.). 

Ash-throated  Flycatcher. 

Common  summer  resident  from  the  oak  regions  of  the  lowlands 
up  to  6000  feet  in  the  mountains.  Earliest  arrival  in  the  spring  noted 
by  H.  A.  Gaylord,  April  4 {’96);  and  I have  seen  a very  few  as  late  as 
September,  the  last,  Sept.  14  (’95).  Breeds  most  commonly  in  the 
last  week  of  May.  Extremes:  Set  five  fresh,  taken  by  W.  B.  Judson, 
xMay  16  (’97)  in  the  West  Fork,  north  of  Mt.  Wilson;  and  a .set  of  four 
fresh  eggs,  taken  in  the  same  locality  by  H.  Leland.  June  8 ('96). 

167 —  48  j.  Say  0 nils  say  a (Bonap.). 

Say’s  Phoebe. 

Commoti  winter  visitant  over  the  mesas  and  lowlands.  I have 
noted  it  in  the  vicinity  of  Pasadena  from  Sept.  10  (’94),  till  March 
14  (’95)- 

168 —  4S<^-  Sayornis  ?iigricans  (Swains.). 

BlacL  Phoebe. 

Common  resident  of  the  lowlands  and  occasional  along  streams  up 
to  6000  feet  in  the  mountains.  Usually  to  be  found  near  water,  and 
especially  about  barns  and  stockyard.s.  Eggs  usually  laid  toward  the 
last  of  April.  Extremes:  Set  four,  slightl}-  incubated,  taken  by  C.  E. 


30 


Pasadena  Academy  of  Sciences. 


Publication  II. 


Groesbeck  near  Pasadena,  March  28  (’97);  and  three  fresh,  taken  by 
tlie  same  collector  on  the  West  Fork  of  the  San  Gabriel  Canon,  June 
5 (’96).  Sets  are  of  three  to  five  eggs,  ordinaril}^  four. 

169 —  Co7itopus  borealis  (Swains.)- 

Olive-sided  Flycatcher. 

Common  in  summer  above  3000  feet  in  the  mountains,  and  during 
the  migrations  frequently  seen  on  the  lowlands  and  mesas.  This  bird 
is  a late  arrival  in  the  spring,  my  earliest  record  being  April  24  (’96). 
In  the  fall  the  latest  record  was  a specimen  taken  Sept.  26  (’96);  both 
near  Pasadena.  As  this  species  nests  in  the  tallest  coniferous  trees 
the  eggs  are  hard  to  secure.  W.  B.  Judson  took  a set  of  three  consid- 
erably incubated  eggs  on  Mt.  Wilson,  June  ii,  ’97.  Nearly  fledged 
young  ordinarily  appear  about  the  15th  of  July. 

170 —  ^62,  Contopus  richardsojiii  (Swains.). 

Westero  Wood  Pewee. 

Common  summer  resident  of  the  canons  and  coniferous  forests  up 
to  7000  feet.  During  the  migrations,  more  or  less  common  along 
streams  and  in  wooded  localities  on  the  lowlands.  My  notes  give  the 
earliest  arrival  in  the  vicinity  of  Pasadena,  April  18  (’95),  and  the  last 
in  the  fall.  Sept.  30  (’94).  Breeds  mainly  in  June.  Extremes:  Set  3, 
incubation  slight,  taken  by  A.  I.  McCormick  near  Los  Angeles,  May 

25  (’95);  and  3,  slightly  incubated,  taken  near  Pasadena  by  H.  A. 
Gaylord,  July  ii  (’94).  Sets  are  of  2 to  4 eggs,  mostly  3. 

171 —  ydy.  Empidonax  difficilis  Baird. 

Western  Flycatcher. 

Common  summer  resident  of  the  mountain  canons.  During  the 
migrations,  noted  all  over  the  lowlands.  My  notes,  taken  in  the  vicin- 
ity of  Pasadena,  show  the  earliest  arrival  March  30  (’96),  and  the  last 
seen  in  the  fall,  Oct.  10  (’96).  Eggs  are  laid  mostly  during  the  latter 
part  of  May.  My  earliest  set  was  of  4 considerably  incubated  eggs 
taken  May  ii  (’95);  and  the  latest,  of  4 slightly  incubated  eggs  taken 
June  29  (’95).  Full  sets  are  almost  always  of  4. 

172 —  ^66.  Empidonax  traillii  (And.). 

Traill’s  Flycatcher. 

Common  in  summer  in  the  willow  regions  of  the  lowlands.  Ar- 
rives late.  My  earliest  record  is  May  4 (’95);  latest  in  the  fall.  Sept. 

26  (’96).  Nests  mostly  in  June.  Extremes:  Set  3,  slightly  incubated, 
taken  by  A.  I.  McCormick  near  Los  Angeles,  May  25  (’95),  and  a sim- 
ilar set  taken  by  H.  A.  Gaylord  near  Pasadena,  July  ii  (’94)-  P^ull 
sets  are  ordinarily  of  three  eggs.  H.  Robertson  reports  several  .sets  of 
four  each. 

173 —  .^68.  Empidonax  hammondi  (Xantus). 

Hammond’s  Flycatcher. 

Common  migrant.  Most  numerous  in  the  spring,  when  it  is  ob- 
served mostly  on  the  mesas  along  the  base  of  the  mountains.  From  H. 
A.  Gaylord’s  notes,  the  earliest  spring  arrival  was  April  9 (’96),  and 
the  last  to  depart.  May  9 ( ’96).  In  the  fall  I have  seen  this  Fly- 
catcher by  the  first  week  in  September,  and  I took  a specimen  as  late 
as  Oct.  30  (’97). 


March,  iSgS. 


Birds  of  the  Pacific  Slope  of  Los  Angeles  County. 


SI 


174 —  f6g.i.  Empidoyiax  griseus  Brewst. 

Gray  flycatcher. 

Apparently  to  be  found  in  some  portion  of  our  County  throughout 
the  year.  In  fall,  winter  and  spring  it  occurs  in  the  vicinity  of  Pasa- 
dena and  El  Monte  in  small  numbers.  Scarcely  a dozen  specimens 
have  been  secured  though  they  have  been  looked  for  with  special 
interest.  The  earliest  specimen  in  the  fall  was  taken  by  H.  A.  Gay- 
lord in  the  San  Gabriel  River  bottom  near  El  Monte,  Nov.  7 ( ’96), 
and  the  latest  in  the  spring,  by  me  near  Pasadena,  May  4 (’97).  Al- 
though I have  pretty  well  explored  the  mountainous  parts  of  the 
County,  I have  found  the  Gray  Pdycatcher  in  summer  only  in  one 
limited  locality,  on  the  slopes  of  Mt.  Waterman  (7500  to  8500  feet). 
There,  in  July,  this  bird  is  not  uncommon,  though  very  shy,  keeping 
in  the  tallest  pines  on  the  mountain  sides.  I secured  full-fledged  juve- 
niles as  early  as  July  ii  (’97).  Specimens  of  this  species  were  iden- 
tified by  Wm.  Brewster,  its  original  describer,  to  whom  I sent  them 
for  determination. 

175 —  y//.  Pyrocephaliis  riibineus  mexicanus  (Scl.). 

Vern^illion  flycatcher. 

Rare  winter  visitant  in  the  lowlands.  A female  was  taken  by  G.  F. 
Morcom  in  Eos  Angeles,  Oct.  17,  ’95.  H.  A.  Gaylord  took  specimens 
at  El  Monte,  Oct.  17,  ’96  (immature  male),  Dec.  8,  ’95  (adult  male) 
and  Feb.  8,  ’96  (adult  female).  Besides  these  specimens  actualEMaken, 
others  have  been  occasionally  seen  in  winter  in  the  San  Gabriel  River 
bottom. 

176 —  Otocor/s  olpestris  chrysolcema  (Wagl. ). 

Mexican  liorned  LarE- 

Abundant  resident  over  most  of  the  lowlands  and  mesas.  Espec- 
ially numerous  on  the  alkali  pasture  lands  a few  miles  inland  from  the 
coa.st.  In  fall  and  early  winter,  large  flocks  gather  on  newly  planted 
grain  fields,  and  at  that  season  do  some  damage.  Begins  breeding 
early,  and  continues  well  into  the  summer.  I have  found  nearly 
fledged  young  the  last  week  in  March.  I took  sets  of  3 and  4 fresh 
eggs  on  April  17,  ’95,  at  Pasadena.  G.  P'.  Morcom  took  an  incom- 
plete set  of  2 fresh  eggs  in  the  San  Fernando  Valley,  June  5,  ’95. 

177 —  .^ySa.  Cyanocitta  stelleri  frontalis  (Ridgw.). 

Blue-fror)ted  Jay. 

Common  resident  of  the  coniferous  regions  in  the  mountains. 
During  severe  winters  this  Jay  appears  in  the  foot-hills  along  with  the 
Belding’s  Jaj^  and  sometimes  even  in  the  oak  regions  at  lower  eleva- 
tions on  the  mesas.  Breeds  late.  I took  a set  of  4,  considerably  incu- 
bated, on  June  i,  ’95,  and  C.  P).  Groesbeck  took  a set  of  three  fresh 
eggs,  on  June  4,  ’96.  Both  were  in  the  mountains  a few  miles  north 
of  Pasadena.  I secured  an  adult  female  of  this  species  in  perfect  albino 
plumage  on  Oct.  10,  ’96. 

178 —  481b.  Aphelocoma  californica  obscura  Anthony. 

Belding’s  Jay. 

Common  resident  of  the  scrub  oak  regions  of  the  foot-hills  and 
mesas.  Eess  common  on  the  brushy  mountain  sides  up  to  6000  feet. 


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Pasadena  Academy  of  Sciences. 


Pnblicatio7i  II. 


Breeds  usually  in  April.  A nest  was  found  near  Pasadena  on  March 
25  (’97).  which  contained  young  about  two-thirds  grown;  this  was  un- 
usually earl}".  The  latest  set  was  of  five  fresh  eggs  taken  by  H.  A. 
Gaylord,  May  25  (’95  ).  This  is  undoubtedly  the  form  to  w’hich  our 
Aphelocomce  are  referable,  for  they  are  not  the  same  as  the  true  A.  cali- 
foniica  found  further  north.  The  habitat  of  A.  c.  obscura^  which  was 
described  from  the  San  Pedro  Martir  Mountains,  Lower  California, 
probably  extends  north,  though  less  and  less  typically,  as  far  as 
Tehachapi. 

179 —  ^86.  Corvus  corax  siiiuatus  (Wagl.). 

American  Raven. 

Common  resident  in  the  lower  parts  of  the  County,  principally  in 
the  hill  country.  Frequently  seen  flying  over  the  valleys  from  one 
range  of  hills  to  another,  but  as  a general  thing  very  shy  and  not  ven- 
turing into  settled  regions.  Lee  Chambers  took  a set  of  three  slightly 
incubated  eggs  near  Santa  Monica,  May  9,  ’96. 

180 —  Corvus  cryptoleucus  Couch. 

White-oecKed  Raven. 

F.  S.  Daggett  found  the  partly  decomposed  remains  of  one  of  these 
birds  under  a tree  in  San  Fernando  Valley,  April  18,  ’97.  Possibly 
the  ravens  which  are  common  in  that  section  are  of  this  species. 

181 —  .J.88.  Corvus  americanus  Aud. 

flrr^erican  Crow. 

Abundant  resident  in  the  lowlands.  Breeds  commonly  in  the 
willow  regions  in  April.  Earliest  set,  of  five  fresh  eggs,  taken  by  M. 
L.  Wicks,  Jr.,  near  Santa  Monica,  April  i (’93).  Latest,  of  five  consid- 
erably incubated  eggs  taken  in  San  Fernando  Valley  by  R.  Arnold, 
May  17  (’94P  Sets  are  of  four  or  five  eggs,  mostly  the  latter  number. 

1 8 2 —  ^ gi . Nucifraga  col u m bia  na  ( Wils . ) . 

Clarke’s  Nutcracker. 

Common  resident  in  the  coniferous  forests  above  6000  feet.  In 
the  vicinity  of  Mt.  Waterman  the}"  are  very  numerous,  and  I secured 
full-grown  juveniles  there  in  July  C97)- 

183 —  79^.  Cyanocephalus  cyaiiocephalus  (Wied). 

PinoF)  Jay. 

Irregular  visitant  in  the  County,  mostly  in  the  higher  mountains. 
In  the  fall  of  ’95,  from  Sept,  i to  21,  good-sized  flocks  were  seen  every 
day  or  two  in  the  vicinity  of  Pasadena  flying  northwest  over  the  mesas 
and  along  the  foot-hills.  A small  flock  alighted  in  some  eucalyptus 
trees  in  the  heart  of  Pasadena,  and  remained  several  minutes  before 
continuing  their  flight. 

184 —  797.  Xanthoccp/ialus  xauthoceplialus  (Bonap.). 

Yellow-headed  Blackbird. 

Occurs  in  large  wandering  flocks  in  the  lowlands.  The  adult 
males  are  usually  seen  in  bands  by  themselves,  not  mixing  with  the 
larger  flocks  which  are  made  up  of  females  and  immature  males.  H. 
S.  Swarth  found  this  species  nesting  in  small  numl)ers  in  the  tule  beds 


Marchy  i8gS.  Birds  of  the  Pacific  Slope  of  Los  Angeles  County. 


of  Nigger  Slough.  Nests  all  contained  3'oung,  June  19,  ’97. 

185 —  498.  Agelaius  phceniceus  (I^inn.). 

Red-wiQged  Blackbird. 

Abundant  resident  of  the  lowlands,  nesting  mostly  in  tide  bed-, 
though  often  in  grain  fields,  willow  thickets  and  even  on  the  ground. 
Breeds  in  the  latter  part  of  April  and  in  May.  Reliable  data  concern- 
ing the  red-winged  blackbirds  is  hard  to  obtain,  as  the  forms  are  easily 
confused,  and  may  even  occur  breeding  together  in  one  locality. 

186 —  498a.  xAgelaius  pJueniceus  longirostris  (Salvad.). 

Sonoran  Red-wing. 

A blackbird  taken  by  F.  S.  Daggett  near  Pasadena,  Nov.  7,  ’96, 
is  identified  by  Robert  Ridgway  as  of  this  subspecies.  I have  other 
specimens  apparently  identical  with  this  bird,  taken  in  March  at  Pd 
Monte.  Our  blackbirds  will  require  a good  deal  of  study  before  the}^ 
can  be  properly  understood. 

187 —  499.  Agelams  guber7iator  calif ornicus  Nelson. 

California  Bicolored  Blackbird. 

Several  specimens  of  this  form  have  been  taken  in  winter  at  Bixby 
and  El  Monte,  and  it  may  breed  in  this  County,  as  it  does  commonly 
to  the  northward;  but  I have  no  reliable  data,  although  many  eggs 
purporting  to  be  of  this  bird  have  been  sent  from  the  County. 

188 —  goo.  Agelams  hdcolor  (And.). 

Tricolored  Blackbird. 

In  the  lowlands  this  species  occurs  in  considerable  numbers 
throughout  the  year.  F.  S.  Daggett  has  found  it  numerous  at  Bixb\" 
during  the  winter.  G.  F.  Morcom  found  a colon\^  nesting  near  Comp- 
ton, and  on  May  8 (’97),  took  35  sets  of  slightly  incubated  eggs. 

189 —  501b.  Sturnella  mag?ia  neglecta  (And.). 

Western  Meadowlark. 

A common  resident  of  Meadows  and  fields  from  the  coast  to  the 
base  of  the  mountains.  In  winter  it  gathers  locally  into  good-sized 
flocks,  but  in  summer  is  more  generally  distributed.  Breeds  early:  I 

have  seen  birds  carrying  nesting  material  in  January.  G.  F.  Morcom 
took  a set  of  five  slightly  incubated  eggs,  near  Los  Angeles,  March  9 
( ’95).  E.  Simmoms  took  a set  of  four,  slightly  incubated,  near  Pasa- 
dena, June  7,  (’94). 

190 —  §04.  Icterus  parisorimi  Bonap. 

Scott’s  Oriole. 

H.  S.  Swarth  saw  an  adult  male  of  this  species  near  Los  Angeles 
on  April  19,  ’95.  Although  the  bird  was  not  secured,  I have  no  hesi- 
tancy in  considering  this  a good  record,  as  Mr.  Swarth  is  familiar  with 
the  species  in  Arizona,  and  is  sure  of  the  correctness  of  his  identity. 

191 —  Soga.  Ictei'us  cucullatus  nelso?ii  Ridgw. 

Arizooa  Pjooded  Oriole. 

Common  in  summer  about  orchards  and  gardens.  Occurs  mosth" 
in  the  mesa  regions,  but  it  sometimes  follows  up  the  mountain  canons 


84 


Pasadciia  Academy  of  Scic?iCcs. 


Puhlicaiion  ll. 


as  high  as  4000  feet,  especially  where  there  are  sycamore  trees.  My 
notes  show  the  first  arrival  to  be  a male  on  March  15  (’97),  and  the 
last  seen  in  the  fall,  a juvenile,  Sept.  18  (’97).  Two  broods  are  usually 
reared  in  a season.  The  earliest  set  was  of  four  slightly  incubated 
eggs  taken  by  me  iu  Pasadena,  April  26,  (’95  ).  H.  Iceland  found  a 
nest  Aug.  3 (^97),  containing  one  fresh  egg.  On  Aug.  25  this  nest 
held  a brood  of  small  young.  Sets  are  most  always  of  four. 

PJ2 — fo8.  Icterus  bullocki  (Swains.). 

Bullock’s  Oriole. 

Abundant  in  summer  on  the  lowlands  and  mesas.  My  notes  give 
the  first  arrival,  March  16  (’96),  and  the  latest  seen,  Aug.  10  (’97). 
These  records  were  taken  at  Pasadena,  and  I have  no  doubt  but  that 
this  bird  is  found  much  later  in  the  fall  in  other  parts  of  the  County. 
Breeds  mostly  in  May.  First  set,  five  fresh,  taken  by  me  near  Pasa- 
dena, May  7 (’95);  last  set,  five  incubation  advanced,  taken  by  H.  A. 
Gaylord  near  Pasadena,  July  18  (’94). 

193 —  5/0.  Scolecophagus  cyanoccphalus  (Wagl.). 

Brewer’s  Blackbird. 

Abundant  resident  throughout  the  lower  parts  of  the  Count)". 
Full  sets  of  eggs  are  found  by  the  last  of  April.  Evan  Davis  reports 
taking  eggs  in  the  vicinity  of  Orange,  as  early  as  March  i6th. 

194 —  314(1-  Coccothraustes  vesperiinus  montanus  (Ridgw. ). 

Westero  Ever)ing  Grosbeak. 

E.  B.  Towne  secured  an  adult  male  near  Pasadena,  Dec.  28,  ’94. 
It  was  with  a flock  of  Western  Dark  Sparrows  among  some  oak  trees. 
This  is  our  only  record. 

195 —  317a.  Carpodacus purpureus  califor'nicus  Baird. 

California  Purple  Fincf). 

Common  winter  visitant  on  the  mesas  and  lowlands,  haunting 
thickets  and  bushy  places  in  small  companies.  I have  noted  it  about 
Pasadena  from  Oct.  27  ( ’96),  till  April  29  (’96.)  This  species  probably 
breeds  sparingly  in  portions  of  the  mountains.  I took  an  adult  pair 
which  evidently  had  a nest  near  by,  on  Mt.  Wilson,  June  22,  (’95). 

19(^ — 318.  Carpodacus  cassini  Baird. 

Casein’s  Purple  Fincb- 

Common  resident  of  the  mountains  from  4000  feet  up  to  the  sum- 
mits. I have  found  it  rather  numerous  in  July  on  Mt.  Waterman,  in- 
habiting the  pine  forests.  No  juveniles  were  noted,  though  the  fe- 
males secured  showed  signs  of  having  recently  incubated.  This  spe- 
cies occurs  rarely  in  winter  as  low  as  the  foothills,  and  then  but  spar- 
inly.  At  that  season  they  gather  in  small  flocks,  feeding  in  the  brush, 
and  seem  not  to  mind  the  snow,  just  so  the  bushes  are  not  entirely 
covered. 

197 — 3^9-  Carpodacus  mexicanus fro7italis  (Say). 

House  Fipch. 

This  is  the  well-known  “linnet,”  an  abundant  resident  every- 
where from  the  coast  to  the  foothills.  In  winter  large  flocks  often 


March,  i8p8.  Birds  of  the  Pacific  Slope  of  Los  Angeles  County. 


85 


gather  in  sunflower  patches  and  open  fields,  but  in  spring  they  are 
pretty  well  distributed,  and  nest  almost  anywhere,  even  in  cactus.  Very 
numerous  and  familiar  about  houses  and  gardens.  In  the  summer 
these  birds  do  considerable  damage  to  the  fruit  crop.  Breeds  in  April, 
May  and  June.  Earliest  set,  four  fresh  eggs,  taken  by  me  in  Pasa- 
dena, March  26  (’96).  East  set  of  four  fresh  eggs,  noted  by  P\  B. 
Jewett  near  Pasadena,  Aug.  i (’96).  Sets  are  of  three  to  six  eggs,  or- 
dinarily four  or  five. 

198 —  52gb.  Spmus  tristis  salicama?is  Grinnell. 

Willow  GoIdfincE- 

Common  resident  of  the  lowlands.  In  summer  they  are  almost 
wholly  confined  to  the  willow  regions,  but  in  winter  they  gather  into 
flocks  and  wander  everywhere,  even  into  the  mouniain  canons,  where 
they  feed  on  the  buds  and  seeds  of  sycamores  and  alders.  Breeds 
mostly  in  May  and  June,  though  I have  found  fresh  eggs  early  in 
April,  and  small  young  in  August.  Sets  are  four  or  five. 

199 —  fjo.  Spinus  psaltria  (Say). 

ArkaQsas  Goldfinch. 

Abundant  resident  of  tlie  foothill  regions  up  to  3000  feet  in  the 
canons.  Less  common  in  the  lowlands  and  up  to  6000  feet  in  the 
mountains.  Numerous  about  gardens  and  orchards,  and  in  common 
with  the  other  goldfinches,  popularly  called  “Wild  Canaries.”  Breeds 
mostly  from  April  to  July,  but  I have  found  eggs  as  early  as  March 
22,  and  in  the  fall,  at  least  around  my  home  place  in  Pasadena,  they 
breed  regularly  until  September  and  in  a few  cases  later.  On  Oct.  21 
(’95)  I took  a set  of  three  slightly  incubated  eggs,  and  during  the 
first  week  of  November  (’97)  two  broods  of  young  left  their  nests.  In 
all  cases  these  late  nests  are  built  in  evergreens,  and  at  a considerable 
height  above  the  ground. 

200 —  Spinus  lawre?icei  (Cass.). 

Lawrer)ce’s  Goldfinch. 

Probably  occurs  throughout  the  year,  but  common  only  during 
the  spring  and  earl}^  summer  months.  Inhabits  mainly  the  mesas  and 
mountain  canons  and  pine  forests  up  to  6000  feet.  Breeds  in  May. 
The  earliest  set,  of  five  fresh  eggs,  was  taken  by  G.  F.  Morcom  at  Los 
Angeles,  April  23  (’92);  and  the  latest,  a set  of  five  slightly  incubated 
eggs.  May  27  (’93),  taken  by  me  near  Pasadena.  I have  never  noted 
this  goldfinch  during  the  fall  months,  that  is,  from  September  to  No- 
vember, in  any  part  of  the  county,  but  in  December  and  on  until  the 
last  of  March,  small  flocks  haunt  the  banks  of  the  arroyos  and  weed 
patches,  after  which  they  pair  off  and  scatter  through  the  orchards  and 
canons. 

201—  5jj>.  Spinus  pinus  (Wils.  ). 

Pine  SiskiQ. 

Irregular  winter  visitant  in  the  willow  regions  of  the  lowlands.  In 
1892  this  bird  was  very  abundant  during  February  and  March;  and  it 
again  appeared,  though  in  smaller  numbers,  during  the  same  months 
in  1897.  They  were  noted  in  the  neighborhood  of  El  Monte  as  late  as 
March  20  (’97).  In  July  (’97)  I found  the  Pine  Siskin  to  be  tolerably 


86 


Pasadena  Academy  of  Sciences. 


Publication  II. 


common  in  the  vicinity  of  Mt.  Waterman  (7000  to  8500  feet ).  An  adult 
female  was  secured  on  Jul}’  14.  which  was  evidently  incubating,  and  a 
few  days  later  I saw  a full-fledged  brood  of  young  following  their 
parents. 

‘202— Pooccctes  gramineiis  confinis  Baird. 

WesterQ  Vesper  Sparrow. 

Common  winter  visitant.  Found  in  stubble  fields  and  washes, 
especially  on  the  dry  mesas.  My  earliest  and  latest  records  are,  re- 
spectively, Sept  14  (’97)  and  March  19  (’95);  both  near  Pasadena. 

203 —  340b.  Pooccetes  gramineus  affijiis  Miller. 

Oregon  Vesper  Sparrow. 

Common  winter  visitant  occurring  in  company  with  the  last,  but 
possibly  more  numerous  on  the  damper  meadows  of  the  lowlands.  My 
earliest  record  for  this  subspecies  is  Sept.  16  ( ’95  ).  H.  A.  Gaylord  has 
noted  the  latest,  April  25  (’96);  both  near  Pasadena. 

204 —  542b.  Ammodramiis  satidwichensis  alaudmus  (Bonap.). 

Westerp  Savanna  Sparrow. 

Abundant  winter  visitant,  inhabiting  fields  and  meadows  from  the 
coast  to  the  mesas.  In  the  vicinity  of  Pasadena  my  earliest  and  latest 
records  are,  respectively.  Sept.  18  (’97)  and  May  3 (’95).  I have  rea- 
son to  believe  that  a few  remain  to  breed  in  the  lowlands  near  the 
coast. 

205 —  343.  Anunodramus  beldingi  Ridgw. 

Belding’s  Marsh  Sparrow. 

Abundant  resident  of  the  salt  water  marshes  along  the  coasr. 
Nests  in  the  marsh  grass  just  above  the  reach  of  the  tide.  Breeds 
mostly  in  May.  Earliest  set,  four  fresh  eggs,  taken  by  G.  F.  Moicom 
at  Ballona,  April  14  (’97);  latest  set,  three,  incubation  advanced,  taken 
by  H.  A.  Gaylord  near  Long  Beach,  July  5 (’95). 

206 —  344.  Ammodramus  rostratus  Cass. 

Large-billed  Sparrow. 

Common  in  winter  in  the  salt  marshes  and  along  the  beaches,  but 
far  less  numerous  than  the  Belding’s  Sparrow.  In  San  Pedro  Harbor 
this  bird  frequents  the  wharves  and  breakwaters,  and  even  hops  fear- 
lessly about  the  decks  of  vessels,  feeding  on  crumbs  and  flies.  Al- 
though observed  from  August  to  late  in  April,  this  sparrow  apparently 
disappears  altogether  during  the  summer  months,  but  where  it  breeds 
seems  to  be  as  yet  unknown. 

207 —  346a.  Ammodramus  savannarmn  perpallidus  (Coues). 

WesterQ  Grasshopper  Sparrow. 

On  account  of  its  secretive  habits  this  sparrow  is  not  often  met 
with.  It  frequents  grassy  fields,  where  its  mouse-like  habit  of  run- 
ning through  the  grass,  rather  than  taking  flight,  renders  it  difficult 
to  discover.  Daring  the  winter  of  i89i-’92  a pair  remained  in  a va- 
cant lot  in  Pasadena,  and  became  quite  tame,  so  that  I could  approach 
within  an  arm’s  length  without  frightening  them.  G.  F.  Morcom 
took  an  adult  male  of  this  species  at  Los  Angeles,  April  30  (’95), 


March,  i8gS.  Birds  of  ihe  Pacific  Slope  of  Los  Angeles  County. 


37 


which  is  the  latest  known  occurrence  in  the  spring.  W.  B.  Judson 
took  a specimen  at  Highland  Park,  near  Los  Angeles,  Aug.  lo  (’97), 
which  might  indicate  that  it  had  reimiined  throughout  the  summer. 

208 —  552a.  Chondestes  grammacus  strigatiis  (Swains.). 

WesterQ  LarK  Sparrow. 

Common  resident  in  the  lower  portion  of  the  county.  Quite  nu- 
merous and  familiar  about  cultivated  fields  and  oichards.  Breeds 
mostly  in  April  and  Ma}',  nesting  either  on  the  ground  or  in  trees  and 
bushes.  Earliest  set,  of  four  fresh  eggs,  taken  by  C.  E.  Groesbeck 
near  Pasadena,  April  18  (’95);  latest,  of  three  slightly  incubated  eggs, 
taken  by  H.  A.  Gaylord,  July  12  (’94).  Sets  are  of  three  to  five  eggs. 

209 —  554-Ci^  Zonotrichia  leucophrys  intermedia  Ridgvv. 

Intermediate  Sparrow. 

Abundant  winter  visitant  from  the  coast  to  the  foot-hills.  Weed- 
patches  and  brushy  tracts  at  times  fairly  swarm  with  these  sparrows; 
They  arrive  regularly  about  the  last  week  in  September,  my  earliest 
date  being  Sept.  15,  (’95).  The  bulk  leave  early  in  April,  though  I 
have  shot  specimens  as  late  as  May  3 (’96). 

210 —  Zonotrichia  leucophrys  gambelii  (Nutt.) 

Gambel’s  Sparrow. 

H.  S.  Swarth  has  a specimen,  typical  of  this  subspecies,  taken  at 
Los  Angeles,  Jan.  13,  ’96.  Many  of  our  white-crowned  sparrows  are 
intermediate  between  gambellii  and  intermedia,  indeed,  most  which  I 
have  examined,  are. 

211  — 557.  Zonotrichia  coronata  ( Pall . ) . 

Golden-crowned  Sparrow. 

Common  winter  visitant  from  the  mesas  up  to  5000  feet  on  brushy 
mountain  sides.  My  earliest  and  latest  records  are,  respectively.  Sept. 
26,  (’96),  and  May  9.  (’96). 

212 —  yyS.  Zo7ioirichia  albieollis  (Gmel. ). 

White-throated  Sparrow. 

H.  A.  Gaylord  secured  an  immature  female  near  Pasadena,  Nov. 
21,  ’94.  W.  E.  Bryant  took  an  adult  in  Los  Angeles,  Feb.  25,  ’97. 
These  are  our  only  records. 

213 —  y6oa.  Spizella  socialis  arizonce  Cones. 

Western  Cl^ipping  Sparrow. 

Common  resident  of  orchards  and  gardens  in  the  mesa  regions, 
and  in  summer  numerous  in  the  ccmiferous  regions  on  the  mountains 
up  to  8500  feet.  Breeds  inainK^  in  May,  laying  usually  four  eggs. 
First  set,  of  three,  probably  incomplete,  taken  near  Pasadena  by  E. 
Parker  April  19  (’96);  latest  set,  3,  slightly  incubated,  noted  by  H.  A. 
Gaylord,  June  19  (’94). 

214 —  562.  Spizella  bf'eweri  , , 

Brewer’s  Sparrow. 

Tolerably  common  in  summer  from  5000  to  7000  feet  on  the  brush}^ 
mountain  sides  between  Pine  Flats  and  Mt.  Waterman.  I secured  full- 
grown  juveniles  there,  July  3 (’97).  In  spring  and  fall  it  occurs  spar- 


-8 


Pasadena  Academy  of  Sciences. 


Publication  II. 


iiigl}"  on  the  mesas  and  lowlands.  I have  taken  specimens  near  Pasa- 
dena on  March  31  (’96),  and  April  17  (’97).  In  the  fall  H.  S.  Swarth 
noted  good-sized  flocks  in  San  Fernando  Valley,  Sept.  22,  ’97,  and 
took  an  immature  male  in  Los  Angeles,  vSept.  5,  ’95. 

215 —  5^5.  Spizclla  atrigularis  (Cab.). 

Black-chinncd  Sparrow. 

Common  in  summer  on  brushy  mountain  sides.  I have  noted  it 
in  the  breeding  season  from  che  base  of  the  foot-hills  up  to  7000  feet, 
where  the  environment  was  suitable.  In  July  (’97),  I found  this  bird 
numerous  in  the  vicinity  of  Pine  Flats,  and  secured  full-grown  juve- 
niles, July  3.  During  the  migrations  this  sparrow  occurs  sparingly  on 
tlie  mesas  along  the  foot-hills.  The  earliest  spring  record  is  that  of  a 
specimen  taken  by  H.  S.  Swarth  at  Cahuenga  Valley  April  i (’96);  the 
1 itest  in  the  fall,  an  immature  male,  taken  by  me  near  Pasadena,  Sept. 
10  (’97). 

216 —  f6y.  Junco  hyemalis  (Linn.). 

Slate-colored  Juqco. 

This  bird,  usually  considered  as  “accidental”  in  California,  is  ap- 
parently of  pretty  regular  occurrence  in  this  vicinity,  especially  so  as 
compared  with  some  other  winter  visitants  which  are  expected  to  ap- 
pear regularly.  I took  a female  near  Pasadena  Nov.  14  (’96).  H.  S. 
Swarth  took  a male  at  Los  Angeles,  Feb.  8 (’97).  H.  A.  Gaylord  took 
a female  at  Pasadena,  P'eb.  27  (’97).  F.  S.  Daggett  took  a male  near 
Pasadena,  March  4 (’97),  and  saw  at  least  seven  others  in  a flock, 
which  had  also  been  seen  a week  before  in  the  same  locality.  F.  S. 
Daggett  took  a male  near  Pasadena,  March  15  (’93),  from  a flock  of 
fifteen,  all  apparently  of  the  same  species. 

217 —  Junco  hyemalis  oregonus  (Towns.). 

OregOQ  Jupco. 

A single  specimen  was  taken  by  F.  S.  Daggett  at  Pasadena,  Nov. 
24,  ’96.  This  subspecies  can  at  most  be  but  a rare  winter  visitant. 

218 —  5^71'.  Junco  hyemalis  thurberi  Anthony. 

Thurber’s  Junco. 

Abundant  in  summer  in  the  coniferous  forests  on  the  mountains. 
In  the  winter  there  is  a partial  movement  to  lower  elevations,  and  it 
appears  in  small  flocks  down  to  the  mesas  and  even  further.  In  the 
vicinity  of  Pasadena  I have  noted  it  as  early  as  Oct.  3 ( ’94),  and  as 
late  as  April  13  (’95).'  Breeds  exclusively  in  the  mountains,  mainly 
above  5000  feet.  I noted  fully  fledged  young  in  the  mountains  north 
of  Pasadena  on  May  19  (’95).  This  is  extremely  early,  as  the  usual 
nesting  time  is  the  latter  part  of  May.  The  latest  set  reported  is  of  5 
slightly  incubated  eggs  taken' by  R.  Arnold  on  Mt.  Wilson,  June  12 
(’92  ).  Full  sets  consist  of  3 to  5 eggs. 

219 —  y6c).  Junco  caniceps  (Woodh.). 

Gray-beaded  Juqco. 

A single  specimen,  a female,  was  taken  by  W.  B.  Judson  near  Pas- 
adena, Oct.  26,  ’94.  This  is  our  only  record. 


^^arch,  i8p8.  Birds  of  the  Pacifc  Slope  of  Los  Anjre/es  County. 


89 


220 —  57J.  Amphispiza  bit  in  eat  a (Cass.  ). 

BlacK-throated  Sparrow. 

I took  an  adult  male  in  the  Arroyo  vSeco  near  Pasadena.  April  lo, 
’97.  This  is  our  only  record. 

221 —  Amphisphiza  belli  (Cass.). 

Bell’s  Sparrow. 

Common  resident  locally  on  brush-covered  washes  on  the  mesas, 
and  in  summer  up  to  5000  feet  on  the  mountain  sides.  I have  taken 
full-grown  young  near  Pasadena  by  June  19  (’97). 

222 —  574C1.  Amphispiza  belli  nevadensis  (Ridgw.). 

Sage  Sparrow. 

Tolerabh’  common  in  summer  on  the  brush-covered  slopes  in  a 
limited  locality  at  the  head  of  the  Tujunga  Canon  (3000  to  6000  feet ). 
I secured  juveniles  near  Pine  Flats,  July  3 (’97).  In  winter  the  Sage 
Sparrow  occurs  sparingly  on  the  mesas  along  the  base  of  the  mountains. 

223 —  ^80.  Peueeea  rufieeps  (Cass.  ) 

Rufous-crowned  Sparrow. 

Tolerably  common  locally  in  the  foot-hills,  wliere  it  undoubtedly 
breeds.  Occurs  throughout  the  year,  but  most  numerous  in  April. 

224 —  58 le.  Melospiza  fasciata  lieermanni  ( Baird). 

lieernnann’s  Song  Sparrow. 

Abundant  resident  in  the  lowlands,  and  in  the  mesa  region  in  the 
vicinity  of  streams  and  ponds.  Breeds  mainly  from  April  to  June.  I 
took  a .set  of  three  slightly  incubated  eggs  in  Pasadena,  March  4 (’96). 
and  on  the  same  date,  found  a brood  of  half-fledged  young.  This  is 
of  course  exceptionally  early.  Full  .sets  are  of  three  to  five  eggs, 
usually  four. 

225 —  s8j.  Melospiza  lineolnii  (And.). 

Lincoln’s  Sparrow. 

Common  winter  visitant  in  the  lower  portion  of  the  county.  Gen- 
erally found  in  brush  in  the  vicinity  of  water  courses.  H.  S.  Swarth 
noted  the  first  arrival  at  Los  Angeles,  Sept.  18  (’97).  and  the  last  in 
the  spring  was  .seen  by  me  at  Pasadena,  May  3 (’96), 

226 —  585a.  Passey ella  iliaca  2i7ialaselieensis  (Gmel.  ). 

Townsepd’s  Sparrow. 

Abundant  winter  visitant  in  the  brushy  tracts  of  the  mountains 
and  foot-hills,  and  occasionally  down  on  the  mesas.  H.  A.  Gaylord 
reports  the  earliest  in  the  fall.  Sept.  13  (’95);  and  I took  the  last  speci- 
men in  the  spring,  April  10  (’97).  I have  a specimen  taken  on  Mt. 
Wilson,  Oct.  31  (’97),  which  is  intermediate  in  color  and  markings 
between  this  subspecies  and  true  P.  iliaea. 

227 —  SSfb.  Passerella  iliaea  inegarhyncha  (Baird). 

Tl^ick-billed  Sparrow. 

Common  winter  visitant  on  the  brushy  mountain  sides.  I have 
noted  it  from  Oct.  10  (’96),  till  April  17  (’97). 


40  Pasadena  Academy  of  Sciences.  Publication  //. 


228 —  S8yc.  Passerella  iliaca  schistacea  (Baird). 

Slate-colored  Sparrow. 

A female  was  taken  near  Los  Angeles,  Dec.  14,  ’96  H.  S.,  by 
Swarth.  This  is  our  only  positively  identified  specimen. 

229 —  585^.  Passerella  iliaca  sleplie?isi  Anthony. 

Stephens’s  Sparrow. 

Common  in  summer  on  the  higher  mountains.  In  July,  ’97,  I 
found  it  numerous  in  the  vicinity  of  Mt.  Waterman,  above  7000  feet. 
Its  haunts  were  the  growth  of  brakes  and  willows  which  lined  the 
water  courses  in  the  canons.  I secured  full-grown  young  by  July  10. 
Probably  found  in  winter  at  lower  elevations,  though  I have  not  as  yet 
observed  specimens  at  that  season. 

230 —  y88a.  Pipilo  maculahis  niegalonyx  (Baird.) 

Spurred  Towhee. 

Abundant  resident  of  brushy  regions  throughout  most  of  the 
County.  Breeds  in  the  mountains  up  to  the  limit  of  the  undergrowth, 
but  in  winter  few  are  seen  above  the  foot-hills.  Nests  mostly  in  May 
and  June.  Extremes:  Set  four,  considerably  incubated,  taken  by  A. 

I.  McCormick  near  Los  Angeles,  April  15  ( ’95);  set  three  fresh,  taken 
by  me  on  Barley  Flats  (5000  feet),  July  10  f’95).  Full  sets  are  of  two 
to  five  eggs,  usually  four. 

231 —  Spo.  Oreospiza  chlorura  (And.). 

Green-tailed  Townee. 

Common  summer  resident  of  the  higher  mountains.  I found  it 
rather  numerous  in  the  vicinity  of  Mt.  Waterman  in  July  (’97),  and 
secured  nearly  fledged  juveniles  on  JuL"  10.  Occurs  occasionally  dur- 
ing the  migrations  along  the  base  of  the  mountains.  H.  A.  Gaylord 
noted  specimens  neai^  Pasadena,  April  4 (’96),  and  April  29  (’97  ). 

232 —  sgrc.  Pipilo  fuscus  senicula  Anthony". 

flnthony’s  Towl^ee. 

Abundant  resident  of  the  mesa  and  foot-hill  regions;  less  common 
in  portions  of  the  lowlands  and  up  to  4000  feet  on  the  brush}^  moun- 
tain sides.  Breeds  mostly  in  April  and  May.  I found  a brood  of 
nearly  fledged  young  in  Pasadena,  March  20  (’96),  and  I have  noted 
fresh  eggs  late  in  July.  Full  sets  are  of  two  to  five  eggs,  generally 
three  or  four.  W.  H.  Wakely  has  a perfect  albino  of  this  species 
taken  near  Pasadena,  Feb.  13,  ’86. 

233— 596.  Zamelodia  melajiocephala  (Swains.). 

BlacK-headed  Grosbeak. 

Common  summer  resident  in  the  willow^  regions  of  the  lowlands, 
and  locally  up  to  7000  feet  in  the  mountains.  i\rrives  early  in  April. 
My  earliest  record  is  a male,  March  30  (’96);  and  last  in  the  fall.  Sept. 
22  (’96).  Nests  mostly  in  the  latter  part  of  May.  Extremes:  Set 

three,  slightly  incubated,  taken  by  W.  B.  Judson  near  Los  Angeles, 
May  9,  (’97)  and  set  three  fresh  taken  by  G.  F.  Morcom  in  the  Ca- 
huenga  Valley,  June  22  (’94).  P’ull  sets  are  of  two  to  four  eggs,  prin- 
cipally three. 


41 


March,  1898.  Birds  of  the  Pacific  Slope  of  Los  Angeles  County. 


234 —  597(1-  Guiraca  cccrulea  eurhyncha  Cones. 

Western  Blue  Grosbeak. 

Tolerably  common  in  summer;  found  mainly  in  the  mesa  regions, 
and  very  local  even  there.  Earliest  seen  near  Pasadena,  April  25 
(’96).  Extreme  nesting  dates:  vSet  four,  .slightly  incubated,  taken  by 

M.  L.  Wicks,  Jr.,  near  Eos  Angeles,  May  18  (’89)  ; and  set  four, 
slightly  incubated,  taken  by  H.  Robertson  near  Eos  Angeles,  June 

24  (’93  ) • 

235 —  599.  Passerina  amoena  (Say). 

Lazuli  Bunting. 

Common  summer  resident  of  the  foot-hills  and  mesas.  Extreme 
dates  of  arrival  and  departure  according  to  my  notes  are  respectively, 
April  4 (’96),  and  Sept.  17  (’97).  This  species  becomes  very  scarce 
after  July,  and  I have  only  two  records  for  September,  including  the 
one  quoted  above  and  an  earlier.  Broods  mainly  in  the  latter  part  of 
May.  Extremes:  Set  three  fresh  taken  by  E.  D.  Parker  near  Pasa- 

dena, April  30  (’95);  and  a slightly  incubated  set  taken  by  A.  I.  Mc- 
Cormick near  Eos  Angeles,  June  23  (’95).  Full* sets  are  of  two  to 
five,  in  only  one  instance  of  the  latter  number,  usuall}^  of  four  eggs. 

23b — 605.  Calamospiza  nielanocorys  Stejn. 

Lark  Bunting. 

Casual  visitant.  An  adult  male  was  taken  by  Ed.  Simmons  at 
Newhall,  May  3,  ’97,  and  two  others  were  seen. 

237 —  607.  Piranga  ludoviciana  (Wils.). 

Louisiana  Tanager. 

Common  summer  resident  of  the  mountain  canons  and  coniferous 
forests  from  1500  to  7000  feet  altitude.  Extreme  dates  of  arrival  and 
departure  are  respectively,  April  19  (’96)  and  Sept.  30  (’95).  During 
the  spring  migrations,  in  the  larter  part  of  April  and  early  May,  tan- 
agers  occur  numerously  on  the  mesas  and  lowlands,  feeding  on  fruit 
and  berries.  Breeds  ordinarily  about  the  first  week  in  June.  Ex- 
tremes: Set  three,  fresh,  taken  by  R.  Arnold,  May  5 (’95);  and  set 
three,  slightly  incubated,  taken  by  Ed.  Simmons,  June  30  (’95);  both 
in  the  canons  north  of  Pasadena.  Sets  are  of  three  or  four,  and  in  one 
case,  noted  by  R.  Arnold,  of  five  eggs. 

238 —  61  la.  Prog?ie  subis  hesperia  Brewst. 

Western  Martin. 

Common  in  summer  mostly  in  the  mountains  where  they  nest  in 
holes  in  the  tall  dead  firs.  Frequently  seen  flying  over  the  mesas  in 
spring  and  late  summer.  A few  breed  in  the  oak  districts  to  the  west 
of  San  Fernando  Valley.  R.  Arnold  has  found  them  nest-building 
there  by  April  i.  As  yet  no  eggs  of  this  bird  have  been  taken  in  the 
County. 

239 —  612.  Pelrochelidon  lunifrons  (Say  ). 

Cliff  Swallow. 

Abundant  in  suininer  in  the  lower  portion  of  the  County.  Earliest 
arrival  in  the  spring,  noted  at  Pasadena  by  H.  A.  Gaylord,  March  8 
(’96);  latest  in  the  fall,  seen  by  me  at  Long  Beach,  Sept.  7 (’95). 


42 


Pasadena  Academy  of  Sciences. 


Publication  II. 


Nests  mostl}^  on  buildings,  from  May  to  July.  Sets  are  of  four  to  six 
eggs. 

240 —  6ij.  Chelidon  erythrogasira  (Bodd.). 

Barn  Swallow. 

Occurs  as  a tolerably  common  migrant  over  the  lower  parts  of  the 
County.  My  earliest  record  is  March  27  (’96);  and  in  the  fall  F.  S. 
Daggett  has  noted  it  as  late  as  Sept.  30  (’96);  both  in  the  vicinity  of 
Pasadena.  A few  remain  through  the  summer  and  nest  on  the  bluffs 
along  the  coast  in  Uie  neighborhood  of  Santa  Monica. 

241 —  b/./.  Tachycineta  bicolor  (Vieill.). 

Tree  Swallow, 

Abundant  in  spring  and  summer  in  the  willow  regions  of  the  low- 
lands, especially  in  the  vicinity  of  ponds  and  marshes.  The  majority 
leave  in  the  fall,  but  a few  remain  throughout  the  winter.  By  the 
middle  of  March  this  swallow  again  appears  in  full  force  and  is  soon 
nest-building.  Breeds  mosth^  from  the  last  of  April  through  May. 
Earliest  set,  four  fresh,  taken  by  H.  J.  Leland  near  El  Monte,  April  15 
(’97);  latest  .set,  five  incubated  about  one-half,  taken  by  E.  D.  Parker 
at  El  Monte,  June  9 (’95).  Sets  are  of  four  to  six  eggs. 

242 —  6iy.  Tachycineta  thalassina  (Swains.). 

Violet-green  Swallow. 

Abundant  summer  resident  of  the  mountainous  districts,  and 
occurring  during  migration  on  the  mesas  and  lowlands.  Arrives  in 
large  numbers  along  the  foot-hills  by  the  middle  of  March.  My  earliest 
and  latest  dates  are  respectively,  Feb.  16  (’95)  and  Oct.  20  (’94). 
Breeds  principally  before  the  last  of  May.  R.  Arnold  took  a set  of 
five  fresh  eggs  on  Mt.  Wilson,  June  19  (’93).  Full  sets  are  of  four 
or  five  eggs,  usually  the  latter  number. 

248 — 616.  Clivicola  rip  aria  (Linn.  ). 

BoqK  Swallow. 

Common  in  summer  in  suitable  localities  on  the  lowlands.  Large 
numbers  nest  in  the  sandy  bluffs  along  the  coast.  Evan  Davis  states 
it  to  breed  in  June  and  July,  laying  from  four  to  six  eggs. 

244 —  61  j.  Stelgidopteryx  serripe7inis  (And.). 

Rough-Winged  Swallow. 

Coinmo!!  over  the  mesas  during  the  spring  migrations.  In  the 
vicinity  of  Pasadena,  this  swallow  is  most  numerous  in  April,  though 
I have  taken  it  as  early  as  March  12  (’97)  near  El  Monte.  A few 
pair  remain  to  breed  along  water  courses  with  steep  sandy  bank.s.  H. 
A.  Ga3dord  furnishes  our  only  nesting  data,  that  of  a set  of  four  fresh 
eggs  taken  Ma>^  30,  ’96,  near  Pasadena.  The  nest  was  in  a hole  in  a 
cement  wall  in  the  Arroyo  vSeco. 

245 —  61  g.  Ampelis  cedrorum  (Vieill. ).  ’ . , 

Cedar  Waxwing. 

Irregular  winter  visitant.  At  times,  usually  in  the  spring  months, 
this  species  visits  us  in  large  numbers,  feeding  in  flocks  on  the  berries 
of  the  pepper-trees.  My  earliest  and  latest  records  are,  respectively. 
Sept.  14  (’97)  and  May  17  (’95).  H.  J.  Leland  tells  us  that  he  saw  a 


March,  i^gS.  thirds  of  the  Pacific  Slope  of  Los  Angeles  Couiiiy. 


48 


pair  near  South  Pasadena.  June  i6  ( ’97  ).  However,  we  have  as  yet 
no  evidence  that  this  bird  nests  within  the  County. 

246 —  620.  Phainopepla  nilens  (Swains. ). 

Phainopepla. 

Coinnion  summer  resident,  almost  exclusively  of  the  dry  mesa 
regions.  In  the  washes  and  arroyos  in  the  vicinity  of  Pasadena  it  is 
very  numerous.  Kd.  Simmons  lias  noted  the  earliest  arrival,  April  9 
(’97);  and  H.  S.  Swarth  noted  one  near  Cos  Angeles  as  late  as  Oct. 
19  (’97).  An  adult  male  was  observed  b}'  H.  S.  Swarth  at  Los  An- 
geles, Jan.  31  (’98).  which  must  be  considered  as  very  unusual.  Breeds 
mostly  ill  June.  H.  A.  Gaylord  reports  the  earliest  and  latest  sets; 
they  are  respect! vehy  a set  of  two,  slightl}"  incubated,  taken  Ma}"  4 
(’94),  and  a set  of  two  fresh  eggs  taken  July  28  (’94.)  In  some 
seasons  most  of  the  sets  are  of  two  eggs  each,  and  in  other  years  almost 
all  are  of  three.  This  bird  is  popularly  known  as  Black  Mocking- 
bird, and  Black-crested  Flycatcher. 

247 —  622a.  Lanins  Indovicianns  excnbilorides  (dSwains.). 

White-rumped  Shrike. 

Occasional  winter  visitant,  probably  straggling  from  the  Desert. 
I have  a specimen  taken  near  Pasadena,  Dec.  8,  ’94. 

248 —  622b.  Lanins  Indovicianns  gambeli  Ridgw. 

Califorpia  Shrike. 

Abundant  resident  of  the  lowlands  and  mesas.  The  majority 
nest  in  the  latter  part  of  March  and  early  April.  Extreme  instances 
are,  a set  of  five  fresh  eggs  taken  by  H.  J.  Leland,  Feb.  14  (’97);  and 
a set  of  six  fresh  eggs  noted  b}^  H.  A.  Gaylord,  June  28  (’94);  both 
near  Pasadena.  Full  sets  are  of  four  to  seven  eggs,  most  often  six. 
This  bird  is  popularly  known  as  the  butcher-bird,  and  is  generally  dis- 
liked; but  as  it  is  such  a pei-sistent  destroyer  of  the  “Jerusalem 
Cricket”  and  other  injurious  insects,  it  is  undoubtedly  one  of  our  most 
beneficial  birds  from  the  agriculturalist’s  standpoint  and  should  be 
protected. 

249 —  62f.  Vireo  gilvns  (VieilL  ). 

WarbliQg  Vireo. 

Abundant  migrant  in  most  of  the  County,  and  a tolerably  com- 
mon summer  resident  in  portions  of  the  mountains.  The  spring 
migrations  occur  mainly  in  the  first  three  weeks  of  April,  and  the  re- 
turn movement,  the  last  week  of  September.  My  earliest  and  latest 
records  are  respectively,  March  23  (’95)  and  Oct.  2 (’95).  This  bird 
breeds  less  commonly  than  any  other  of  our  vireos.  It  occurs  very 
locally,  mainly  in  the  mountains,  where  I found  it  in  the  vicinity  of 
Mt.  Waterman  up  to  8000  feet  in  July.  H.  A.  Gaylord  took  a set  of 
three  slightly  incubated  eggs  in  the  Arroyo  Seco  near  Pasadena,  May 
9 (’94);  and  I took  a set  of  three  fresh  eggs  on  Pine  Flats  (6000  feet) 
on  July  2 (’97). 

250 —  62ga.  Vireo  solitarius  cassmii  (Xantus). 

Cassin’s  Vireo. 

Common  in  summer  in  the  mountains,  and  during  the  migrations 
on  the  mesas.  My  earliest  and  latest  dates  are,  April  4 (’96)  and  Oct. 


44 


/^asadefia  Academy  of  Sciences. 


Publication  // 


2 (’95).  Breeds  numeroiisl}"  in  the  mountain  canons  from  the  foot- 
hills to  4000  feet  elevation,  nesting  mostly  in  cottonwoods  and  white 
oaks  in  May.  Extreme  nesting  dates  from  my  field  notes:  A set  five, 

incubation  nealy  complete,  May  ii  (’95);  and  a set  of  three,  slightly 
incubated,  June  26  (’93);  both  taken  in  the  Arroyo  Seco  Canon  north 
of  Pasadena. 

251 —  6^2.  Virto  hutto7ii  Cass. 

hjutton’s  Vireo. 

A common  bird  throughout  the  year;  although  it  occurs  from  the 
willow  regions  in  the  lowlands  up  to  6000  feet  in  the  mountains,  de- 
cided preference  seems  to  be  shown  for  the  oak  regions  of  the  mesas 
and  foothills.  The  breeding  season  is  quite  extensive,  as  shown  by 
the  following  extremes:  A set  of  three  fresh  eggs,  taken  by  me  in  the 

foothills  north  of  Pasadena,  March  7 (’96) ; and  a set  of  four  fresh  eggs, 
taken  by  H.  A.  Gaylord  near  Pasadena,  July  15  (’94).  However,  the 
majority  of  sets  are  laid  in  April  and  May.  Full  sets  are  of  three  or 
four. 

252 —  6j^a.  Vireo  bellii pusillus  (Coues). 

Least  Vireo. 

Abundant  in  summer  in  the  willow  regions  of  the  lowlands,  and 
along  streams  up  to  the  foothills.  Arrives  by  the  first  week  in  April 
and  leaves  during  the  last  week  of  August.  My  earliest  and  latest 
dates  are,  respectively,  March  26  (’96)  and  Sept.  8 (’97).  Breeds 
mainly  during  the  latter  part  of  May.  Extremes:  Sets  of  four  fresh 
eggs,  both  taken  near  Eos  Angeles  by  H.  Robertson,  earliest,  April  28 
(’97)  and  latest,  June  15  (’97).  Full  sets  are  almost  invariably  of  four 
eggs. 

253 —  6j6.  Mniotilta  varia  (Einn.). 

Black  and  White  Warbler. 

Only  one  record:  An  immature  female  was  taken  in  the  Arroyo 

Seco  near  Pasadena  by  H.  A.  Gaylord,  Oct.  2,  ’95. 

254 —  6^^a.  Hclminlhophila  rubricapilla  guttiiralis  Ridgw. 

Calaveras  Warbler. 

Common  spring  and  fall  migrant.  Noted  in  the  spring  mostly  in 
the  foothill  and  mesa  regions.  Earliest  specimen,  taken  by  me,  April 
4 (’96);  latest,  by  H.  A.  Gaylord,  May  i (’96).  In  the  fall  this 
warbler  appears  mainly  in  the  lowlands.  In  the  vicinity  of  Eos  An- 
geles H.  S.  Swarth  has  noted  it  from  Sept.  13  (’97)  to  Oct.  8 (’96). 

255 —  6^6a.  Helminthophila  celata  lutesceyis  (Ridgw.). 

Lutescent  Warbler. 

Tolerably  common  in  summer  in  canons  and  on  brushy  mountain 
sides  up  to  6000  feet.  Abundant  spring  migrant,  appearing  in  greatest 
numbers  in  April.  Earliest  specimen  of  this  race,  taken  by  me,  March 
6 (’97);  last  taken  in  the  fall.  Sept.  8 (’97).  Breeds  in  April  and  May. 
I took  a female  on  April  4 (96)  which  contained  a fully  formed  egg. 
Juveniles  were  secured  early  in  July  (’95)  on  Pine  Flats  (6000  feet). 

256 —  6j^6b.  Helmmthophila  celata  sordida  Townsend. 

Dusky  Warbler. 

This  subspecies  appears  in  the  vicinit}"  of  Pasadena  in  the  oak  re- 


A/arcfi,  iSgS.  L'irds  of  the  Pacific  Slope  of  Los  . lai^e/cs  County. 


4r, 


gions  and  along  the  arroyos  in  large  numbers  during  August,  and  even 
by  the  middle  of  July.  Remains  in  diminishing  numbers  through  the 
winter;  the  latest  specimen  noted  in  the  spring  was  secured  by  me, 
Feb.  29  (’96).  This  race  is  apparently  quite  distinct  from  the  last,  and 
is  probably  a visitant  to  the  mainland  from  the  neighboring  islands  of 
San  Clemente  and  Santa  Catalina  at  a season  when  the  latter  are  dry 
and  uninviting.  The  large  size,  especialh"  of  the  bill  and  feet,  and 
darker  colors  of  H.  c.  sof'dida  render  it  readily  distinguishable  from  the 
small  yellow  lutescens.  The  birds  found  breeding  in  this  county  are 
evidently  of  the  latter  race. 

257 —  ^4-7-  Helminihophila  peregrin  a (Wils.). 

Tennessee  Warbler. 

Only  one  record:  I shot  an  immature  female  in  the  Arroyo  Seco 

Canon  near  Pasadena,  Sept.  27,  ’97. 

258 —  Dendroica  erstiva  (Gmel.  ). 

Yellow  Warbler. 

Common  summer  resident  in  wooded  localities,  especially  along 
streams,  from  the  willow  regions  to  5000  feet  altitude  in  the  mountains. 
My  earliest  and  latest  dates  are,  April  2 (’95)  and  Sept.  22  (’94).  Dur- 
ing the  migrations  in  April  and  September,  this  warbler  is  particularly 
numerous  and  well  distributed  over  the  mesas  and  lowlands.  The 
breeding  season  commences  by  the  second  week  in  May.  Extreme 
nesting  dates:  Set  four,  slightly  incubated,  taken  by  H.  A.  Gaylord 
near  Los  Angeles,  May  12  (’95);  and  set  of  three  fresh  eggs,  taken  by 
me  near  Pasadena,  June  26  (’93).  Full  sets  are  almost  invariably  of 
four  eggs. 

259 —  ^55.  Dendroica  coronata  (Linn.j. 

Myrtle  Warbler. 

Tolerably  common  winter  visitant,  associating  with  Audubon’s 
Warbler.  Specimens  have  been  taken  during  December,  January  and 
February. 

260 —  6g6.  Dendroica  auduboni  (Towns.). 

Audubon’s  Warbler. 

Very  abundant  and  generally  distributed  throughout  the  count3' 
during  the  winter;  in  moderate  numbers  in  the  higher  mountains 
through  the  summer.  It  appears  in  the  lowlands  about  the  first  week 
in  October,  and  remains  until  the  first  of  April,  while  I have  noted  a 
few  along  the  foothills  as  late  as  May  i.  In  summer  it  is  found  in  the 
coniferous  forests  on  the  mountains  above  5000  feet  altitude.  W.  B. 
Judson  took  a set  of  five  fresh  eggs  on  Mt.  Wilson,  May  29,  ’97.  I 
observed  full-grown  juveniles  in  the  same  localit}^  on  June  22  (’95). 

261 —  <557.  Dendroica  maculosa  (Gmel.). 

MagQolia  Warbler. 

Only  one  record:  H.  S.  Swarth  took  an  immature  female  near 

Los  Angeles  on  Oct.  21,  ’97. 

262 —  66g.  Dendroica  7iigresccns  (Towns.). 

BlacK-tbroated  Gray  Warbler. 

Common  summer  resident  of  the  mountains  from  the  foothills  up 


Pasadena  Academy  of  Sciences. 


Publicaiion  11. 


4r> 


to  6000  feet,  and  in  the  migrations  occurring  in  considerable  numbers 
over  the  mesas  and  lowlands.  The  earliest  noted  was  a male  taken  b}" 
me,  March  23  (’95),  and  by  the  second  week  in  April  they  are  present 
in  full  force.  H.  A.  Gaylord  has  the  latest  record,  Oct.  23  (’95).  Dur- 
ing the  breeding  season,  the  scrub  oak  regions  of  the  mountain  sides 
are  the  preferred  haunts  of  this  warbler.  Most  of  the  sets  have  been 
taken  about  the  last  week  of  May,  but  I found  a nest  with  four  small 
3’oung,  in  the  mountains  north  of  Pasadena,  May  19  (’95),  and  R.  Ar- 
nold took  a set  of  three  considerably  incubated  eggs  in  the  same  vicin- 
it}",  June  26  (’96).  P'our  eggs  constitute  the  usual  set. 

2()3 — 668.  Dendroica  townsendi 

TowQseod’s  Warbler. 

Tolerably  common  migrant,  though  not  regularly  so.  During  the 
last  week  of  April,  ’96,  it  was  fairly  numerous  in  the  vicinity  of  Pas- 
adena. but  in  the  spring  of  1897  none  were  observed.  The  first  noted 
was  on  April  22,  and  the  latest.  May  13.  In  the  fall  I have  taken  one 
specimen,  Oct.  2 {’95).  A few  probably  pass  the  winter  with  us  if  the 
weather  is  not  severe.  I saw  several  on  Mt.  Wilson,  Dec.  12  (’96), 
and  took  a specimen  in  the  same  locality,  Jan.  27  (’94). 

264 —  66g.  Dendroica  occidentalis  (Towns. ). 

hjern^it  Warbler. 

In  the  spring  migrations  this  warbler  is  in  some  years  tolerably 
common,  though  not  detected  af  all  in  others.  In  the  spring  of  ’96 
it  was  numerous  about  Pasadena.  I noted  the  earliest,  April  22,  and 
the  latest,  May  17.  H.  S.  Swarth  reports  a specimen  near  Los  Ange- 
les, Sept.  10  (’97). 

265 —  680.  Geofhlypis  macgillivrayi  (Aud.). 

Macgillivray’s  Warbler. 

This  is  a common  spring  migrant  along  the  base  of  the  foot-hills, 
and  in  the  fall  in  much  smaller  numbers  out  on  the  lowlands.  It 
arrives  by  the  second  week  in  April,  and  I have  taken  it  as  early  as 
April  4 (’96);  the  last  was  observed  by  H.  A.  Gaylord,  May  13  ( ’96). 
In  the  fall,  H.  S.  Swarth  has  noted  it  in  the  vicinity  of  Los  Angeles 
from  Sept.  4 (’97)  to  Oct.  13  (’96). 

266 —  68ia.  Geothlypis  trichas  occidentalis  Brewst. 

Western  Yellow-throat. 

Common  resident  of  marshy  tracts  throughout  the  lowlands,  and 
appears  abundantly  during  the  migrations  along  the  foot-hills  and  on 
the  mesas.  Breeds  in  April  and  May.  Extremes:  Set  of  four  fresh 

eggs  taken  by  H.  J.  Leland  near  Pasadena,  April  7 (’97);  and  a sim- 
ilar set  taken  by  H.  A.  Gaylord  in  the  same  localit\',  June  6 (’95). 
Full  sets  are  almost  invariabl}'  of  four  eggs. 

267 —  68 ja.  Ictcria  virens  lo^igicauda  (Lawr. ). 

Long-tailed  Cbat. 

Common  summer  resident  in  the  willow  regions  of  the  lowlands, 
and  in  small  numbers  during  the  migrations  along  the  foot-hills.  The 
earliest  specimen  noted  in  the  vicinity  of  Pasadena,  was  a male,  April 
18  (’95),  but  they  probably  arrive  on  their  breeding  grounds  some- 


March,  i8g8.  Birds  oj  the  Pacific  Slope  of  Los  Angeles  County. 


47 


what  earlier.  F.  S.  Daggett  took  it  as  late  in  the  fall  as  Sept.  29  (’96). 
Breeds  mostly  during  the  latter  part  of  May.  Extremes:  vSet  of  four 

fresh  eggs  taken  near  Pasadena  by  H.  J.  Leland,  May  10  (’97),  and  a 
similar  set  taken  June  10  (’96),  by  H.  Robertson  near  Eos  Angeles. 

268 — 6SSd.  Sylvania  pus  ilia  pileolata  (Pall.). 

Pileolated  Warbler. 

Abundant  migrant  throughout  the  lower  parts  of  the  county,  and 
more  or  less  common  summer  resident  in  the  willow  regions.  Ap- 
pears in  numbers  usually  by  the  first  week  in  April,  though  I took  an 
adult  male  near  El  Monte,  Feb.  16  (’95);  last  in  the  fall,  Oct.  27  (’94). 
Breeds  most  commonly  about  the  middle  of  May;  A.  I.  McCormick 
took  a set  of  five  fresh  eggs  near  Los  Angeles,  April  28  (’97),  and  G. 
F.  Morcom  took  a set  of  four  slightly  incubated  eggs  at  Cerritos,  April 
24  (’97);  H.  Robertson  took  a set  of  four  fresh  eggs  in  the  former  lo- 
cality May  31  (97). 

266 — dpy.  Anihus peyisilvanicus  (Lath.). 

American  Pipit. 

Abundant  winter  visitant  in  the  lowlands;  especially  numerous 
and  more  generally  distributed  during  the  seasons  of  heavy  rain-fall. 
My  notes  taken  in  the  vicinity  of  South  Pasadena  and  El  Monte,  give 
the  earliest  and  latest,  respectively,  Aug.  29  (’95),  and  April  3 (’95). 

270 —  yoi.  Cmclns  mexica7ius  Swains. 

(American  Dipper. 

Met  with  in  small  numbers  along  streams  in  the  mountainous 
parts  of  the  Com  itv.  Resident  throughout  the  year.  H.  Arnold  took 
a set  of  four  siigiitly  incubated  eggs  in  Eaton’s  canon  north  of  Pasa- 
dena, April  22,  ’94,  and  the  same  collector  found  a nest  with  four 
young  in  the  San  Gabriel  canon.  May  27,  ’94. 

271 —  yo2.  Oroscoptes  7nonta7ius  (Towns.). 

Sage  Thrasl^er. 

Rare  straggler  from  the  Desert.  H.  S.  Swarth  secured  a i)air  in 
San  Fernando  Valley,  March  13,  ’97. 

272 —  ’/OJ.  Mwius  polyg lottos  (Linn.). 

MocKingbird. 

Common  and  familiar  resident  of  orchards  and  gardens  through- 
out the  lower  portion  of  the  County,  and  of  dry  washes  and  arroyos  in 
the  mesa  regions.  Breeds  as  a rule  by  the  first  of  May.  I took  a set 
of  4 considerably  incubated  eggs  on  April  16  (’95)  which  is  my  earliest 
date,  and  as  two  or  even  three  broods  are  reared  in  a season,  nesting 
continues  sometimes  into  August.  Full  sets  consist  of  four,  rarely 
five  eggs. 

273 —  /lo.  Harporhyoichus  redivivus  (Gamb.  ). 

Califoroiar)  Thrasher. 

Common  resident  of  brushy  localities  from  the  lowlands  ii]3  to 
6000  feet  in  the  mountains.  Breeds  mainly  in  March  and  April.  H. 
J.  Leland  took  a set  of  2 considerabl}^  incubated  eggs  near  Pasadena 
on  January  27  (’97)  which  of  course  is  exceptionally  early.  H.  A. 


48 


Pasadena  Academy  of  Sciences. 


Publication  II. 


Gaylord  took  a set  of  3 fresh  eggs  near  Pasadena,  June  26  (’94)  which 
is  also  exceptional  in  l)eing  so  late.  Full  sets  are  of  2 to  4 eggs,  us- 
ually 3. 

274 —  7/j.  Heleodytes  bnauieicapillus.  (L,afr.). 

Cactus  Wren. 

Common  resident  locally  on  cactus  covered  washes  in  the  mesa 
regions.  Breeds  mostly  in  April,  but  I took  a set  of  5 fresh  eggs  near 
Pasadena,  March  18  (’92)  and  a set  of  4 fresh  eggs  in  the  same  local- 
ity June  28  (’92).  Full  sets  are  of  4 or  5 eggs,  sometimes  6.  M.  L. 
Wicks,  Jr.,  took  a set  of  7 fresh  eggs  near  San  Gabriel,  May  25,  (’89). 

275 —  7/5.  Salpbides  obsoleius  (Say). 

Rock  Wrer). 

Common  winter  visitant  along  dry  washes,  and  toleiably  common 
throughout  the  year  in  certain  limited  localities  from  the  coast  to  the 
highest  mountains.  I took  nearly  fledged  young  near  the  summit  of 
Mt.  Waterman  (8500  feet)  on  July  20  (’95). 

276 —  717b.  Catherpes  mexicamis  punctulatus  Ridgw. 

Dotted  Canon  Wren. 

Tolerably  common  resident  in  the  mountain  cations  up  to  6000 
feet.  Breeds  in  the  rockiest  and  steepest  canons  usually  in  the  neigh- 
borhood of  a stream.  I took  a set  of  5 eggs,  incubation  advanced,  in 
the  Arroyo  Seco  Canon  north  of  Pasadena,  May  5 (’94)  and  a set  of  6 
fresh  eggs  in  the  same  locality,  June  23  (’93).  These  probably  indi- 
cate the  extent  of  the  breeding  season.  Sets  are  of  5 to  7 eggs. 

277 —  7iga.  Thryothonis  bewickii  spihirus  (Vig.). 

Vigors’s  Wren. 

Abundant  resident  of  brushy  mountain  sides,  the  majority  de- 
scending in  winter  to  the  foot-hills  and  mesas.  Full-fledged  3’oung 
appear  commonly  by  the  middle  of  May,  so  that  nesting  probably  be- 
gins early  in  April.  R.  Arnold  took  a set  of  4 fresh  eggs  near  San 
Fernando,  June  7 (’96). 

278 —  721a.  Troglodytes  aedon  parkma7iii  ( Aud.). 

ParKnnan’s  Wren. 

Resident  throughout  the  year,  but  much  less  common  in  winter 
than  in  summer.  Occurs  from  the  lowlands  to  the  highest  mountains. 
Generally  found  in  wooded  localities,  where  it  breeds  in  May.  Ex- 
treme nesting  dates:  vSet  of  8 fresh  eggs  taken  by  me  near  Pasadena, 
April  20  (’95),  and  a set  of  7 fresh  eggs  taken  by  H.  A.  Ga^dord  in  the 
West  Fork  of  the  San  Gabriel  Canon,  June  18  (’93).  Sets  are  of  5 to 
9 eggs,  usually  of  7 or  8. 

279 —  722a.  Troglodytes  hiemalis  pacijicus  Baird. 

WesterQ  Winter  WrcQ. 

So  far,  detected  in  small  numbers  during  the  winter  only,  in  a very 
limited  locality  in  the  mountains  north  of  Pasadena.  I have  secured 
specimens  by  Oct.  23  (’97),  and  and  none  later  than  Jan.  25  (’96). 
The  Arroyo  Seco  and  Millard’s  Canons,  and  Mt.  Wilson,  are  the  only 
localities  where  they  have  been  discovered. 


M arch,  i8g8.  Birds  of  the  Pacific  Slope  of  Los  Angeles  County. 


49 


280 —  "]2ga.  Cistothorus paluslris paludicola  Baird. 

Tule  Wren. 

Common  resident  of  swampy  regions  in  the  lowlands.  In  fall  and 
winter  it  appears  in  localities  where  not  found  at  other  seasons,  and 
haunts  weed-patches  and  rank  grass.  Breeds  in  the  tule  swamps  prin- 
cipally in  May.  H.  Leland  found  nests  with  young  nearly  two-thirds 
grown  at  El  Monte  by  April  25  (’97).  W.  B.  Judson  took  a set  of  5 
fresh  eggs  near  Santa  Monica,  May  30  (’95).  This  last  is  our  latest 
nesting  date,  though  eggs  are  probably  laid  much  later. 

281 —  J26c.  Certhia  familiaris  occidentalis  Ridgw. 

Californian  Creeper. 

Common  resident  of  the  coniferous  forests  on  the  mountains.  It 
is  observed  from  3000  feet  up  to  8500  feet.  Juveniles  appear  by  the 
middle  of  July.  W.  B.  Judson  found  a nest  on  Mt.  Wilson,  containing 
3 fresh  eggs,  on  May  29  (’97). 

282 —  y2fa.  Sitta  caroline?isis  aculeala  (Cass.). 

Slepder-billed  Nuthatch. 

Common  resident  of  the  coniferous  forests  on  the  mountains;  usu- 
ally found  above  4000  feet,  but  F.  S.  Daggett  took  a specimen  in  the 
oaks  south  of  Pasadena,  Aug.  26,  (’96).  I took  juveniles  in  the  vicin- 
ity of  Mt.  Waterman  by  July  15  (’97). 

283 —  f28.  Sitta  cariadensis  Linn. 

Red-breasted  Nutbatcb- 

Irregular  visitant  in  the  mountains  above  4000  feet.  Occurs 
mostly  in  winter,  but  I found  it  on  Mt.  Wilson  as  late  as  May  9 (’96), 
and  H.  A.  Gaylord  noted  it  again  on  Barley  Flats,  by  Sept,  ii  (’95). 

284 —  730.  Sitta  pygmcBa  Vig. 

PygT)y  Nuthatch. 

Common  resident  of  the  coniferous  forests  on  the  higher  mount- 
ains. It  is  abundant  on  Pine  Flats,  and  I took  full-grown  juveniles 
there  as  early  as  July  2 C97). 

285 —  733.  Parus  inomatus  Gamb. 

Plain  Titmouse. 

Common  resident  in  the  coniferous  regions  from  the  lower  countr3^ 
up  to  6000  feet  on  the  mountain  sides.  Breeds  mainl}^  in  April.  I 
took  a set  of  nine  fresh  eggs  near  Pasadena,  April  13  (’96),  and  a set 
of  six  slightly  incubated  eggs  in  the  same  locality.  May  12  (’94). 
These  probably  indicate  the  extent  of  the  breeding  season. 

286 —  738.  Parus  gai7i be li  Sixdgw. 

Mountain  Chickadee. 

Common  resident  in  the  coniferous  forests  on  the  mountains.  Oc- 
casionally, in  severe  winters,  a few  descend  to  the  oak  regions  out  on 
the  mesas,  but  they  generally  remain  above  4000  feet.  Full-grown 
young  appear  by  the  first  of  Jul>%  so  that  nesting  probably  takes  place 
about  the  middle  or  last  of  May. 


50 


Pasadena  Academy  of  Sciences, 


Publication  II. 


287 —  yi2a.  Cha^ncea  fasciata  henshawi  Ridgw. 

Pallid  Wren-Tit. 

Abundant  resident  of  brushy  regions  from  the  mesas  up  to  6000 
feet  on  the  mountain  sides.  Most  numerous  in  the  foot-hills,  where 
it  breeds  during  the  latter  part  of  April  and  in  May.  Earliest  set, 
probably  incomplete,  of  three  fresh  eggs  taken  by  H.  J.  Eeland  near 
Pasadena,  April  10  (’97);  latest  set  of  four  considerably  incubated 
eggs  taken  b}^  me  in  the  .same  locality,  June  25  (’97).  vSets  are  of 
three  to  five  eggs,  usually  4. 

288 —  743a.  Psaltriparus  minhmis  califojmicus  Ridgw. 

CaliforQia  Bush-Tit. 

Abundant  resident  in  wooded  and  brushy  regions,  especially  in 
the  foot-hills.  Breeds  generally  in  April.  Extreme  dates:  Incom- 

plete set  of  four  eggs  taken  by  C.  E.  Groesbeck  near  Pasadena,  March 
7 (’96),  and  a set  of  seven  fresh  eggs  taken  by  H.  A.  Gaylord  in  the 
same  locality,  July  18  (’94).  Full  sets  are  of  five  to  eight  eggs, 
usually  six  or  seven. 

289 —  748a.  Regulus  satrapa  olivaceus  Baird. 

Western  Golder)-crowoed 

Tolerabl}’'  common  mid-winter  visitant  on  the  higher  mountains. 
So  far,  noted  only  on  Mt.  Wilson  where  it  occurs  in  flocks  of  five  to 
eight  in  the  fir  forests.  I have  observed  it  there  as  early  as  Oct.  30 
( ’97  ),  and  specimens  were  secured  Oct.  31  (’96). 

290 —  74g>.  Regulus  calendiila  (Linn.). 

Ruby-crowned  Kioglet. 

Abundant  winter  visitant  throughout  the  County,  and  present 
through  the  summer  in  small  numbers  on  the  highest  mountains. 
Arrives  in  the  lowlands  early  in  October  and  leaves  by  the  last  of 
March.  Extreme  dates  from  observations  in  the  vicinity  of  Pasadena: 
Sept.  24  (’96),  and  April  15  (’96).  On  JuW  14  (’97),  I took  an  adult 
female  on  Mt.  AVaterman  (8500  feet),  which  undoubtedly  had  a nest 
in  the  vicinity,  probabl}^  with  young. 

291 —  73 1 Cl.  PoHoptila  acerulea  obscma  Ridgw. 

Westero  Goatcatcher. 

Common  resident  in  wooded  and  brush}^  localities,  especially  in 
the  oak  regions.  Breeds  mostly  in  May,  but  I found  a nest  near  Pas- 
adena containing  young.  May  4 (’95),  and  G.  F.  Morcom  took  a set 
of  four  fresh  eggs  in  the  Cahuenga  Valley  as  late  as  June  12  (’93). 
Full  sets  are  of  four  or  five  eggs. 

292—  ‘75 7.  PoHoptila  califorjiica  Brewst. 

Black-tailed  Gnatcatcher. 

Common  resident  in  a few  limited  localities  on  brush>^  mesas  and 
washes,  principally  along  the  base  of  the  foot-hills.  Numerous  in 
San  Fernando  Valley  and  about  Pomona  and  Claremont,  but  around 
Pasadena,  which  is  between  these  two  localities  and  apparently  offers 
similar  attractions,  I have  never  seen  but  one  specimen.  Breeds  mostly 
about  the  middle  of  May.  E.  D.  Parker  took  a set  of  four  fresh  eggs 


March,  i8g8.  Birds  of  the  Pacific  Slope  of  Los  Angeles  County, 


51 


near  Claremont,  April  12  (’97)  and  G.  F.  Morcom  took  a set  of  three 
slightly  incubated  eggs  in  San  Fernando  Valley,  June  29  (’96).  Full 
sets  are  of  three  to  five  eggs,  generally  four. 

293 —  75^.  Myadestes  townsendii  (Aud.). 

Townseod’s  Soletaire. 

Tolerably  common  winter  visitant  in  the  mountains,  occasionally 
appearing  as  low  as  the  mesas.  My  earliest  and  latest  records  from 
the  vicinity  of  Mt.  Wilson  are,  respectively,  Oct.  30  (’97)  and  xMay 

9 (’96). 

294 —  ygS.  Tiirdus  usUilatus  Nutt. 

Russet-backed  Tl^rush. 

Common  summer  resident  in  the  willow  regions  of  the  lowlands. 
Appears  during  the  spring  migrations,  last  of  April  and  first  week  in 
May,  on  the  mesas  and  in  the  mountain  canons.  H.  A.  Gaylord  noted 
the  earliest,  April  12  (’96),  and  F.  S.  Daggett  noted  the  last,  Sept.  14 
(’96).  Breeds  mostly  about  the  last  week  in  May.  Extremes:  Set  of 
4 fresh  eggs  taken  by  C.  E.  Groesbeck  near  Pasadena,  May  17  (’93), 
and  a set  of  3 slightly  incubated  eggs  taken  by  H.  A.  Gaylord  in  the 
same  locality,  July  ii  (’94). 

295 —  jfg,  Turdus  aonalaschkcs  Gmel. 

Dwarf  hermit  Thrush. 

Abundant  winter  visitant  in  most  of  the  county,  especially  in  the 
foot-hills,  where  it  feeds  on  the  berries  of  the  California  Holly.  My 
earliest  and  latest  records  are,  Oct.  10  (’96)  and  May  9 (’96). 

296 —  Turdus  aonalaschkcs  atiduboni  (Baird). 

(4uduboo’s  hermit  Thrush. 

An  adult  male  thrush  taken  by  me  near  Pasadena,  Jan.  23,  ’97, 
was  identified  as  of  this  race  by  Robert  Ridgway. 

297 —  ’/61a.  Merula  migratoria  propinqua  Ridgw. 

Western  Robin. 

More  or  less  common  winter  visitant  throughout  most  of  the  coun= 
ty,  remaining  through  the  summer  in  small  numbers  on  the  higher 
mountains.  Frequently  appears  in  the  lowlands  and  on  the  mesas  in 
large  flocks,  especially  in  wet  winters.  In  the  early  spring  months 
they  come  into  town,  feeding  on  the  berries  of  the  pepper  trees.  My 
earliest  and  latest  records  in  the  neighborhood  of  Pasadena  are,  Oct.  5 
(’97)  and  April  17  (’97).  M.  L.  Wicks,  Jr.,  found  a nest  containing 
young  but  a day  or  two  old,  near  Mt.  Waterman,  Jul}"  4 (’95). 

298 —  y6g.  Hesperodchla  ncBvia  (Gmel.). 

Varied  Thrush. 

Usually  a common  winter  visitant,  but  occasionally,  during  the 
winter  of  ’95-’ 96  for  example,  scarcely  any  are  seen  in  the  county. 
First  arrival,  a male,  noted  by  me  Nov.  25  (’96);  latest  in  the  spring, 
a female,  April  10  (’97).  Most  common  in  the  foot-hills,  but  noted 
from  the  crests  of  the  mountains  nearly  to  sea  level.  Especially  numer- 
ous wherever  the  California  Holly  grows  abundantly. 


52 


Pasadena  Academy  of  Scie?ices. 


Publication  II. 


299 —  y6j.  Sialia  mexicana  occidentalis  (Towns.). 

Western  Bluebird. 

Common  winter  vnsitant  in  most  of  the  low^er  parts  of  the  county, 
and  abundant  through  the  summer  and  most  of  the  winter  in  the 
higher  mountains.  A few  remain  through  the  summer  and  breed  in 
the  vicinity  of  Pasadena.  H.  A.  Gaylord  reports  a set  of  4 slightly 
incubated  eggs  found  near  Pasadena,  May  24,  ’92.  Ed.  Simmons 
took  a set  of  six  considerably  incubated  eggs  near  Newhall,  May  4 
(’97).  H.  J.  Eeland  took  a set  of  four  fresh  eggs  on  Pine  Flats  (6000 
feet),  June  6 ( ’96 

300 —  ^68.  Sialia  arciica  Swains. 

Mountain  Bluebird. 

More  or  less  common  winter  visitant  in  the  lower  parts  of  the 
county.  Generally  .seen  in  large  scattering  flocks  in  vineyards  and 
young  orchards.  I saw  a small  flock  on  Mt.  Wilson,  Oct.  31  (’97). 
H.  A.  Gaylord  noted  them  near  Pasadena  as  late  as  March  14  (’95). 


